Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

True or False: An intubated patient can successfully equalize their middle ear.

1. True

2. False

3. Only with trained supervision

4. Depends on the intubation method

The correct answer is: False

An intubated patient typically cannot successfully equalize their middle ear. This is primarily due to the fact that intubation involves placing an endotracheal tube through the trachea to maintain an open airway, which affects the normal physiological processes of pressure equalization in the ears. In a healthy individual, the Eustachian tube allows for the equalization of pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere, usually achieved by actions like swallowing or yawning. However, with an endotracheal tube in place, these actions are often impeded, making it difficult for the patient to equalize pressure effectively. Additionally, the presence of the tube may restrict movement of the jaw and throat muscles that assist in this process. Understanding this context highlights why the statement is false. The other choices suggest conditions under which an intubated patient might equalize their middle ear, but those factors—such as trained supervision or the method of intubation—do not change the fundamental physiological challenge posed by intubation itself.