BCA Monitoring Equipment & Technology 3

Question 1

The Severinghaus electrode is used to measure which blood gas parameter?

Accepted Answer

PaCO2

Answer

The Severinghaus electrode is a modified pH electrode designed to measure PaCO2 by detecting CO2 diffused across a membrane.

Question 2

Which transducer level is correct when zeroing an arterial line for blood pressure measurement in a supine patient?

Accepted Answer

Level of the heart (phlebostatic axis)

Answer

The transducer is zeroed at the phlebostatic axis (4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line) which approximates the level of the right atrium.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the pop-off valve (APL valve) in the anesthesia breathing circuit?

Accepted Answer

Limit maximum circuit pressure and allow gas scavenging

Answer

The APL (adjustable pressure-limiting) valve limits maximum breathing circuit pressure and directs excess gas to the scavenging system.

Question 4

Bispectral Index (BIS) values between 40 and 60 correspond to which anesthetic state?

Accepted Answer

General anesthesia with low recall risk

Answer

BIS values of 40-60 indicate a general anesthetic depth appropriate for surgery with a low probability of awareness.

Question 5

Which parameter does near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measure in the context of cerebral monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2)

Answer

NIRS uses near-infrared light to estimate regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) by measuring oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in underlying tissue.

(BCA) Board of Certification in Anesthesiology Practice Test

(BCA) Board of Certification in Anesthesiology Practice Test

BCA Monitoring Equipment & Technology 3