Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

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What is the main treatment strategy for gas gangrene?

  1. Oral antibiotics

  2. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

  3. Surgical debridement

  4. Topical antiseptics

The correct answer is: Surgical debridement

The main treatment strategy for gas gangrene is surgical debridement. Gas gangrene is a life-threatening infection caused by Clostridium species, which thrive in anaerobic conditions and produce toxins that can lead to tissue necrosis. Surgical intervention is crucial because it involves the removal of necrotic tissue and the infected area to halt the progression of the disease. Eliminating devitalized tissue is essential as it can harbor bacteria and toxins, thus preventing further spread of the infection. While adjunctive treatments like antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and antiseptics can be part of the overall management strategy, they are not sufficient as standalone treatments for gas gangrene. Antibiotics play a supportive role by targeting the bacteria, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help enhance wound healing and inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria, but neither can replace the necessity of removing the dead tissue. Topical antiseptics can be useful for infection prevention in less severe wounds but are not appropriate for managing a serious condition like gas gangrene. Therefore, surgical debridement remains the cornerstone of effective treatment for this severe and rapid infection.