Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

During which phase of flight does barobariatrauma typically occur?

1. Descent

2. Takeoff

3. Ascent

4. Final approach

The correct answer is: Ascent

Barotrauma is an injury caused by pressure changes, which can affect various parts of the body, particularly areas like the lungs, ears, and sinuses, that contain gas. It occurs primarily during the phase of ascent when the atmospheric pressure decreases rapidly. As a patient ascends, the gases in the body expand due to the lower pressure outside, and if these gases cannot escape or equalize fast enough, it can lead to injury. During ascent, if patients have existing conditions such as pulmonary issues or significant sinus congestion, the risk of barotrauma increases. Medically transporting patients who may not be able to equalize pressure effectively, due to health conditions, also elevates the likelihood of developing barotrauma during this flight phase. Consequently, understanding the physiological effects of pressure changes during ascent is crucial for transport nurses to anticipate and mitigate potential complications.