Question

A client with diabetes has a wound that will not heal. The client has been prescribed hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The client asks why he is going in an oxygen chamber instead of just having dressing changes and IV antibiotic therapy. The nurse knows that hyperbaric oxygen is currently used in wounds that have: Select all that apply.

Answer 1

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in wounds that have difficulties in healing, anaerobic bacterial infections, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It helps stimulate the healing process, kill bacteria, and displace carbon monoxide. The therapy increases oxygen concentration, promotes wound and graft healing, kills oxygen-sensitive bacteria, and increases energy production for repair.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in wounds that have:

• Difficulties in healing
• Anaerobic bacterial infections
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

In hyperbaric chamber therapy, the atmospheric pressure is increased, allowing a greater amount of oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream. This increased oxygen concentration helps stimulate the healing process, kill anaerobic bacteria, and displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin. It promotes wound and graft healing, kills bacteria that cannot live in the presence of oxygen, and increases energy production needed for repair.