The Anesthesia Machine & Breathing Circuits

Question 1

Which size cylinder is smaller, an “E” cylinder or an “H” cylinder?

Answer 1

E

Question 2

What is the pressure within an E cylinder?

Answer 2

1900 psi

Question 3

What is the pressure within an H cylinder?

Answer 3

2200 psi

Question 4

What volume of gas is within an E cylinder?

Answer 4

660 L

Question 5

What volume of gas is within an H cylinder?

Answer 5

13,800 L

Question 6

What are the 3 disadvantages of using Nitrous Oxide gas?

Answer 6

1. Accumulates in the GI tract and other gas filled areas
2. Diffusion hypoxia
3. Hypoxemia risk

Question 7

There are 4 safety mechanisms to gas cylinders. Name 3 of them.

Answer 7

1. Cylinder color
2. Pin-index safety system
3. Bullnose
4. Diameter-index safety system

Question 8

What is the purpose of the pressure regulator?

Answer 8

Reduces pressure from the cylinder to a safe working pressure (50 - 55 psi)

Question 9

What is the purpose of the pressure gauge?

Answer 9

Provides the amount of gas remaining in the cylinder

Question 10

Which part of the anesthetic machine converts high pressure O2 (55 psi) to a pressure safe for the patient?

Answer 10

Flowmeter

Question 11

Which flowmeter should be closest to the patient, oxygen or nitrous oxide?

Answer 11

Oxygen - if there is a hold in the breathing system, the patient still receives the oxygen but not necessarily the NO, as apposed to the other way around

Question 12

Which part of the anesthetic machine serves the following purpose: carriers anesthetic gas with the inhalant (O2/N2O) to the breathing circuit and the patient?

Answer 12

Common gas outlet