Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

For optimal success in supporting a skin graft flap, when should HBOT be administered?

1. Immediately following surgery within a few hours

2. Two days after the grafting procedure

3. One week post-surgery

4. Right before the procedure

The correct answer is: Immediately following surgery within a few hours

Administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) immediately following surgery, within a few hours, is optimal for supporting a skin graft flap. This timing is crucial because early treatment enhances oxygen delivery to the tissues, which is important for angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. This process is vital for the viability of the graft, as it relies on a sufficient blood supply to heal and integrate with the surrounding tissue. By providing increased oxygen levels, HBOT helps to reduce tissue edema, promote collagen synthesis, and improve overall wound healing. Immediate post-operative administration aligns with the physiological needs of the tissues at this critical healing phase, making it the most effective timing for HBOT in supporting skin graft flaps. Other options are less effective because delays in therapy may lead to decreased oxygen availability when the tissues need it most, hindering the healing process and potentially resulting in graft failure or complications.