Disposal of the Anesthesia Machine Flashcards

1
Q

What does WAG stand for?

A

Waste anesthesia gas

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2
Q

What is the purpose of the scavenger system?

A

Collect vented gases from the breathing circuit /ventilator and remove them from the OR

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3
Q

What are the two different types of scavenging systems?

A

Active

Passive

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4
Q

What regulation agency determines safe WAG exposure?

A

National institute of Occupational Safety and Health

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5
Q

What are the NIOSH recommended limits for halogenated agents alone?

A

< 2 ppm

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6
Q

What are the NIOSH recommended limits for halogenated agents used with N2O?

A

N2O < 25 ppm

Halogenated < 0.5 ppm

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7
Q

What are the NIOSH recommended limits for N2O alone?

A

< 50ppm

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8
Q

What problems have been linked to overexposure of WAGs?

A

Increased risk of fetal injury and miscarriages are associated to exposure to these agents

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9
Q

What types of cases will the exposure to WAGs be the greatest?

A

Pediatric cases, we mask induce allowing more gases into the atmosphere

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10
Q

What size is the transfer tubing in the gas collection assembly?

A

19 or 30 mm (sometimes yellow in color)

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11
Q

What type of disposal assembly has suction?

A

Active

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12
Q

Where two tubes lead into scavenger interface?

A

Tubes from APL and Ventilator relief valve

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13
Q

What is the purpose of the gas disposing tubing?

A

It carries gas from interface to disposal assembly

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14
Q

What is the purpose of the reservoir bag on the disposal circuit?

A

If gas enters the disposal circuit faster than it being suctioned out, the gas sits in the reservoir bag (like a holding tank)

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15
Q

What will occur if the reservoir bag is inflated beyond its max capacity?

A

The scavenging system will allow gas to leak into the operating room through a positive pressure relief valve

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16
Q

What adjusts the amount of suction applied to the scavenging system?

A

The needle valve

17
Q

At what pressure does the positive pressure relieve valve open on the scavenging system?

A

5cm H2O

18
Q

How does the scavenging system prevent negative pressure from affecting the patient’s airway?

A

Scavenging system has a negative pressure relief valve, this will allow room air to enter into system when suction is excessive

19
Q

What types of valve is needed for a passive disposal system?

A

Positive pressure relief (don’t need negative pressure relieve because the system is open)

20
Q

What type of valves are needed for an active disposal system?

A

Positive and negative pressure relief

21
Q

What is the difference between an open and a closed disposal assembly?

A

An open assembly does not have any valves and communicates openly with the atmosphere

22
Q

Describe an open disposal assembly.

A

A hospital vacuum is controlled by a small flow meter, this can physically be adjusted

23
Q

How does the open disposal system work?

A

WAGs enter canister, WAGs are heavier than air and will accumulate at the bottom, WAGs carried away by vacuum

24
Q

How much gas is being removed from the open disposal system when the ball is floating between the two lines?

A

25L/min into hospital vacuum

25
Q

What could happen in an open disposal system if the holes were inadvertently covered?

A

Negative pressure could develop

26
Q

What must an open disposal system utilize?

A

Suction, must be an active disposal system and Reservoir bag

27
Q

Why is it so important for an open disposal system to have suction?

A

If there was no suction, the gases would escape into the OR

28
Q

Which disposal system is safer for the patient?

A

Open disposal system, no risk for barotrauma (no valves to fail)

29
Q

What disposal system is safer for the provider?

A

Closed, less risk of WAGs exposure