Anesthesia machine Flashcards
What is the main function of the anesthesia machine?
The anesthesia machine delivers a controlled mixture of gases, including oxygen and anesthetics, to the patient and removes exhaled gases during surgery.
What are the basic components of an anesthesia machine?
The basic components include gas supply (oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air), vaporizers, breathing circuit, ventilator, flowmeters, and scavenging system.
What is the role of the vaporizer in an anesthesia machine?
The vaporizer converts liquid anesthetic agents (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane) into a gas that is mixed with oxygen or air and delivered to the patient.
What is the function of the flowmeter in an anesthesia machine?
The flowmeter measures and regulates the flow of gases, ensuring that the correct amount of oxygen and other gases are delivered to the patient.
What is the purpose of the scavenging system in an anesthesia machine?
The scavenging system collects and removes excess anesthetic gases from the operating room to prevent staff exposure.
How does the breathing circuit in an anesthesia machine work?
The breathing circuit delivers the anesthetic gases to the patient and removes exhaled gases, often incorporating filters and absorbers to eliminate CO2.
What is the function of the ventilator in an anesthesia machine?
The ventilator mechanically controls the patient’s breathing by delivering a preset volume or pressure of gas during surgery when the patient cannot breathe independently
What is a common safety feature on anesthesia machines related to oxygen delivery?
The oxygen failure safety device (or fail-safe system) ensures that if oxygen supply is interrupted, nitrous oxide and other gases are automatically stopped to prevent hypoxia.
What is the function of the CO2 absorber in an anesthesia machine?
The CO2 absorber removes carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas in a closed or semi-closed breathing circuit, allowing the gases to be reused.
How is the pressure of gases regulated in an anesthesia machine?
Pressure regulators reduce the high pressure of incoming gases (from cylinders or pipelines) to a safer, usable pressure for delivery to the patient
What should be checked during the anesthesia machine pre-use inspection?
Ensure proper gas flow, functioning of vaporizers, check for leaks, ventilator function, and ensure emergency oxygen is available.
What can cause equipment failure in an anesthesia machine?
Equipment failure can result from malfunctioning tubing, vaporizer leaks, failure in gas delivery systems, or ventilator failure.
What is the Adjustable Pressure-Limiting (APL) valve on an anesthesia machine?
The APL valve, also known as the “pop-off valve,” controls the pressure within the breathing system by allowing excess gas to escape and prevents over-pressurization.
When is the APL valve primarily used?
The APL valve is used during manual (bag) ventilation, allowing the anesthetist to control the pressure while the patient is ventilated by hand.
How does the APL valve function during spontaneous breathing?
During spontaneous breathing, the APL valve should be fully open to allow gases to escape freely and prevent any buildup of pressure in the breathing circuit.
What happens if the APL valve is closed too much during manual ventilation?
Closing the APL valve too much can cause excessive pressure to build up in the breathing system, leading to potential barotrauma to the patient’s lungs.
What is the correct APL valve setting for mechanical ventilation?
During mechanical ventilation, the APL valve is bypassed or closed as the ventilator controls the pressure in the breathing circuit.
How should the APL valve be adjusted during manual ventilation?
The APL valve should be adjusted to maintain enough pressure to ventilate the patient but allow excess gases to escape, preventing lung overinflation.
What is the risk of not properly adjusting the APL valve during manual ventilation?
Improper adjustment of the APL valve can lead to insufficient ventilation or overpressurization, which may result in inadequate oxygenation or lung injury.
How does the APL valve protect the patient?
The APL valve protects the patient by allowing excess gases to escape from the circuit, preventing excessive airway pressure that could lead to lung damage.
