CAA CAA Anesthesia Equipment & Technology 3

Question 1

Which BIS (bispectral index) value range is typically targeted for adequate general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

40–60

Answer

A BIS value of 40–60 indicates adequate anesthetic depth for general anesthesia, while values above 70 suggest lighter sedation and below 40 suggest excessively deep anesthesia.

Question 2

What is the primary hazard of a hypoxic gas mixture that an oxygen analyzer in the breathing circuit is designed to detect?

Accepted Answer

Delivery of less than 21% inspired oxygen

Answer

An in-circuit oxygen analyzer detects when inspired oxygen fraction falls below 21% (hypoxic mixture), providing an alarm before patient harm occurs.

Question 3

A sudden decrease in end-tidal CO2 to near zero with continued ventilator cycling most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Massive pulmonary embolism or esophageal intubation

Answer

A sudden drop in ETCO2 to near zero suggests either esophageal intubation (no alveolar CO2 being sampled) or a catastrophic drop in pulmonary blood flow such as massive PE or cardiac arrest.

Question 4

In a closed scavenging interface, the positive-pressure relief valve opens when:

Accepted Answer

Suction flow is insufficient to handle the waste gas volume

Answer

The positive-pressure relief valve on a closed scavenging interface vents waste gas to atmosphere if suction flow cannot keep pace with the volume of gas being released.

Question 5

Which ventilator alarm should prompt immediate assessment for a circuit disconnect or massive leak?

Accepted Answer

Low exhaled tidal volume / disconnect alarm

Answer

A low exhaled tidal volume or disconnect alarm indicates that ventilated gas is not returning through the circuit, suggesting a disconnection or major leak.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesia Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesia Assistant Practice Test

CAA CAA Anesthesia Equipment & Technology 3