Chapter 5

Question 1

Activated charcoal canister

Answer 1

A type of passive scavenging system, consisting of a canister containing activated charcoal, designed to remove halogenated anesthetic agents from gases exiting from the pop off or pressure limiting valve of a breathing circuit.

Question 2

National institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH)

Answer 2

The U.S. federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work related injury and illness

Question 3

Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA)

Answer 3

U.S. federal agency responsible for ensuring a safe and healthful working environment for working men and women

Question 4

Passive dosimeter

Answer 4

A device used to detect waste anesthetic gases such as nitrous oxide, isoflurane, and sevoflurane in the breathing zone of hospital personnel. After a defined exposure time (2-8hrs) the badge is recapped and returned for analysis. Results are given as a time weighted average in parts per million

Question 5

Recommended exposure limit (REL)

Answer 5

The maximum concentration of any volatile gas anesthetic (in parts per million) to which employees should be exposed as recommended by the national institute for occupational safety an health (NIOSH) or other agency.

Question 6

Scavenging system

Answer 6

The anesthetic machine system that disposes of excess and waste anesthetic gases outside of the building, so that inhalation by occupationally exposed individuals is minimized.

Question 7

waste anesthetic gas (WAG)

Answer 7

Any inhalation anesthetic (including isoflurane, other halogenated compounds, and nitrous oxide) that is breathed out by the patient or that escapes from the anesthetic machine.

Question 8

Waste anesthetic gases are a potential hazard to personnel but problems that arise are only of long term nature.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Long term toxicity of inhalation anesthetics is thought to be caused by the release of toxic metabolites during the breakdown of these drugs within the body.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

The volatile inhalant general anesthetic thought to be least toxic because very little is retained and metabolized is

Answer 10

isoflurane

Question 11

In the US. the national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH) recommends that the levels of waste anesthetic gases for anesthetics such as isoflurane and sevoflurane should not exceed _______ppm.

Answer 11

2ppm

Question 12

As long as you can’t smell any waste anesthetic gas, you can be reasonably sure that the levels are below recommended exposure limits.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

Rooms in which animals are recovering from anesthesia may be highly contaminated with waste gas.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Which of the following can be used effectively to monitor waste anesthetic gas levels?

Answer 14

Passive dosimeter badge

Question 15

How often should a test for low pressure leaks be conducted?

Answer 15

each day the machine is used

Question 16

The safest way to transport a large compressed gas cylinder such as an O2 tank is by

Answer 16

Using a handcart

Question 17

What is the minimum number of air changes per hour that should be available in a room in which waste anesthetic gases are present

Answer 17

15

Question 18

A technician may reduce the amount of waste gases by

Answer 18

using a cuffed endotracheal tube
Ensuring that the anesthetic machine has been tested for leaks
Using an injectable agent rather than a mask or chamber.