Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

What occurs if a glass IV bottle does not explode during decompression in a hyperbaric chamber?

1. It will maintain its original air content

2. It will implode and cause injury

3. It may forcefully inject the patient with fluid

4. It can be safely removed without risk

The correct answer is: It may forcefully inject the patient with fluid

When considering what happens to a glass IV bottle during decompression in a hyperbaric chamber, it is crucial to understand the physical principles at play. If the glass IV bottle does not explode but instead experiences a rapid reduction in external pressure, the liquids inside can be subjected to pressure differentials. In this scenario, the glass itself, while intact, may still present a risk due to the potential for the liquid to be forced out with great velocity as the external pressure decreases. This can lead to a situation where the fluid could be injected into a patient forcefully, creating a risk of injury or adverse effects. The rapid decompression can create pressure gradients that are unbalanced, allowing for the contents to escape suddenly. Other outcomes, such as maintaining the original air content or safely removing the bottle, do not accurately reflect the dynamics of decompression and could imply a false sense of security about the risks associated with glass IV bottles in hyperbaric environments. Thus, the correct understanding hinges on recognizing the potential for forceful fluid expulsion under these specific conditions.