Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

How can barobariatrauma be prevented prior to takeoff?

1. Limit passenger movement during flight

2. Administer 100% oxygen and elevate the head of the bed

3. Restrict dietary intake before flying

4. Decrease cabin pressure before takeoff

The correct answer is: Administer 100% oxygen and elevate the head of the bed

Administering 100% oxygen and elevating the head of the bed before takeoff is an effective strategy to prevent barobariatrauma, a condition related to changes in cabin pressure during flight. This condition can lead to the expansion of gases within the body, causing discomfort or injury in vulnerable patients, particularly those with pre-existing conditions such as respiratory diseases or those who have undergone certain medical procedures. By administering 100% oxygen, you improve the patient's oxygen saturation levels and reduce the likelihood of hypoxia, which can complicate the response to changes in cabin pressure. Elevating the head of the bed serves to facilitate easier breathing and helps lessen the risk of complications from pressure changes, including barobariatrauma. Strategies such as limiting passenger movement, restricting dietary intake, and decreasing cabin pressure are not effective methods for preventing this condition as they do not directly address the physiological changes that occur during flight. Focused interventions like oxygen administration and positional adjustments directly tackle the risks associated with barobariatrauma.