Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is the recommended maximum concentration of trace gas that operating room staff should be exposed to for nitrous oxide?

1. 10ppm

2. 20ppm

3. 25ppm

4. 30ppm

The correct answer is: 25ppm

The recommended maximum concentration of nitrous oxide to which operating room staff should be exposed is established based on guidelines set by occupational safety organizations. The value you picked indicates an understanding of the safety standards aimed at minimizing the risk of potential health effects associated with prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide in the operating room environment. The value of 25 parts per million (ppm) aligns with the recommendations formulated by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These guidelines are designed to protect healthcare workers from the potential adverse effects of nitrous oxide, which can include neurotoxicity and reproductive risks when exposure levels are exceeded. Research has indicated that maintaining concentrations below 25ppm can help ensure a safer working environment and minimize detrimental health outcomes for anesthesia providers and other operating room staff. Other values listed in the choices may not provide the necessary level of protection based on current research and safety standards, establishing 25ppm as the appropriate threshold for exposure. This underscores the importance of monitoring ambient nitrous oxide levels and implementing effective scavenging systems in the operating room to maintain safe working conditions for all staff members.