Final answer:
The anesthesia machine soda lime canister's purpose is to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaled gases, preventing hypercapnia in patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the anesthesia machine soda lime canister is to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaled gases in a process called carbon dioxide scrubbing. The soda lime, composed primarily of calcium hydroxide, reacts chemically with the carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate, which effectively removes the CO2 from the breathing circuit. This is essential to prevent the re-inhalation of carbon dioxide by the patient, which could lead to hypercapnia (an excessive amount of CO2 in the bloodstream).