Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Desiccated carbon dioxide absorbents can interact with which volatile anesthetic to potentially cause a fire?

1. Halothane

2. Enflurane

3. Sevoflurane

4. Isoflurane

The correct answer is: Sevoflurane

Desiccated carbon dioxide absorbents can interact with sevoflurane to potentially cause a fire due to the chemical reaction that occurs when the absorbent is dry and overheated. Under such conditions, sevoflurane can undergo a degradation process that leads to the production of heat. If there is a sufficient concentration of sevoflurane present, and the absorbent is dry, this heat can cause a combustion reaction, leading to a fire. This risk is particularly heightened when the absorbent spends an extended period in a low-humidity environment, which can lead to desiccation. As sevoflurane is used frequently in anesthesia and is often delivered alongside absorbents, it is critical to monitor both the condition of the absorbent and the anesthetic's exposure to potential ignition sources. In contrast, other volatile anesthetics like halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane do not present the same level of risk when interacting with desiccated carbon dioxide absorbents under typical clinical conditions, making sevoflurane the primary concern in this scenario.