Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

Which symptom best describes pulmonary oxygen toxicity?

1. Headaches and dizziness

2. Difficulty breathing and cough

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Fatigue and fever

The correct answer is: Difficulty breathing and cough

The symptom that best describes pulmonary oxygen toxicity is difficulty breathing and cough. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity occurs when the lungs are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen for extended periods. This condition can lead to inflammation of the lung tissues, resulting in symptoms like difficulty in breathing—often characterized by shortness of breath, a feeling of heaviness in the chest or tightness, and a persistent cough indicative of irritation or damage to respiratory tissues. In contrast, other symptoms listed, such as headaches and dizziness, can be associated with various health issues, including hyperoxia; however, they are not specific to pulmonary oxygen toxicity. Nausea and vomiting may occur due to a variety of conditions but are not primary indicators of this specific form of toxicity. Likewise, fatigue and fever generally point to systemic infections or other inflammatory processes rather than pulmonary oxygen toxicity. Therefore, the combination of difficulty breathing and a cough directly reflects the impact of high oxygen levels on the pulmonary system.