Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

If a patient is currently taking Disulfiram (Antebuse), what precautionary measures are required before HBO therapy?

1. Wait 24 hours after last dose

2. No special precautions required

3. Limit oxygen exposure

4. Discontinue Disulfiram

The correct answer is: No special precautions required

Disulfiram, commonly known by its trade name Antabuse, is a medication used as part of a treatment program for chronic alcoholism. It works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, causing unpleasant reactions that discourage drinking. In the context of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, no special precautions are required for patients taking Disulfiram. This is because Disulfiram does not have contraindications related to oxygen exposure, and HBO therapy itself does not interact in a harmful way with the medication. It is critical for the patient to be under medical supervision and for the therapeutic environment to be conducive to safe treatment; however, there is no need to modify the HBO protocol specifically due to Disulfiram usage. The options that suggest waiting or discontinuing the medication may lead to unnecessary delays in treatment or could potentially disrupt the patient's ongoing management for alcoholism. Therefore, acknowledging that no special precautions are necessary allows for consistent care without imposing undue restrictions on the patient.