Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is barobariatrauma caused by?

1. Changes in cabin pressure affecting bones

2. Fat retention and release of nitrogen at altitude

3. Sudden altitude changes affecting heart rate

4. Low oxygen levels leading to muscle cramps

The correct answer is: Fat retention and release of nitrogen at altitude

Barobariatrauma refers to injuries or physiological disturbances caused by pressure changes, particularly experienced during rapid ascents or descents in atmospheric pressure, such as in aviation or scuba diving. The correct answer centers on the principle of gas laws, wherein nitrogen, which is less soluble in fat than in other tissues, can come out of solution and form bubbles during sudden decreases in pressure, leading to conditions similar to decompression sickness. In the context of altitude, as pressure decreases, nitrogen stored in adipose tissue can form bubbles in the bloodstream and other tissues, causing pain and potentially serious complications similar to those experienced in diving accidents when a diver ascends too quickly. The appropriate management of this condition involves understanding the behavior of gases under changing pressure conditions, which is fundamental for transport nurses when dealing with patients experiencing these issues. The other choices pertain to different physiological effects associated with pressure changes or altitude but do not accurately describe barobariatrauma. For instance, changes in cabin pressure affecting bones do not directly relate to nitrogen dynamics, and muscle cramps are related to low oxygen levels but are unrelated to the specific gases involved in barobariatrauma.