Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What should be done to ensure the proper functioning of an autotransfusion system during use?

1. Always check for blood type match

2. Regularly monitor pressure and flow rates

3. Keep all systems turned off

4. Minimize contact with surgical instruments

The correct answer is: Regularly monitor pressure and flow rates

Regularly monitoring pressure and flow rates is essential to ensure the proper functioning of an autotransfusion system during use. This practice helps to maintain the system's efficiency, ensuring that the collected blood is effectively reinfused into the patient as needed. By keeping a close watch on pressure, one can prevent potential issues such as clotting or inadequate suction, which could compromise the system’s functionality. In addition, monitoring flow rates is vital for assessing how well blood is being transferred and identifying any blockages in the system that could affect performance. This proactive approach helps in making real-time adjustments, ensuring that the autotransfusion system operates smoothly and meets the patient's needs adequately. On the other hand, checking for blood type match is more relevant in the context of transfusions involving donated blood, rather than autotransfusion where the patient's own blood is being used. Keeping all systems turned off would impede necessary functions and monitoring, which could lead to malfunction. Minimizing contact with surgical instruments does not specifically contribute to the operational integrity of the autotransfusion system and may not be as critical during its use.