Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is the consequence of elevated back pressure in a vaporizer?

1. It increases the concentration of anesthetic delivered

2. It can result in inconsistent output of the vaporizer

3. It has no significant effect

4. It causes a complete cessation of vaporizer function

The correct answer is: It can result in inconsistent output of the vaporizer

Elevated back pressure in a vaporizer can lead to inconsistent output of the vaporizer. This occurs because the vaporizer is designed to deliver a specific concentration of volatile anesthetic gas based on the flow rate of carrier gas and the pressure within the system. When back pressure increases, it can alter the dynamics of the vaporization process. The vaporizer typically relies on a certain level of pressure to ensure that the desired amount of anesthetic is effectively vaporized and then delivered to the patient. If back pressure is elevated, it can create a situation where not enough anesthetic is vaporized, or the vaporization process may become erratic, leading to variations in the concentration of anesthetic delivered to the patient. Thus, the output can be unpredictable, which is a critical concern during anesthesia, as consistent doses are necessary for patient safety and effective sedation.