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Which of the following statements about filling an isoflurane vaporizer with sevoflurane are TRUE?

A) Agent monitors cannot detect different anesthetic agents.
B) The output of the vaporizer would be unchanged.
C) The output of the vaporizer would change.
D) The vaporizer would not output any vapor.
E) None of the above.

User Keso
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

When filling an isoflurane vaporizer with sevoflurane, the output of the vaporizer would change due to the differing physical properties of the anesthetic agents. This could result in improper dosage of anesthesia, highlighting the importance of using the correct agent with its specifically calibrated vaporizer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the question about the consequences of filling an isoflurane vaporizer with sevoflurane, option C) The output of the vaporizer would change, is the TRUE statement. Each anesthetic agent has its own specific vapor pressure, which is the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its non-vapor phases at a given temperature. An isoflurane vaporizer is calibrated specifically for the physical properties of isoflurane. If it were filled with sevoflurane, which has different properties, the output concentration of the vaporizer would not be accurate. Be aware that this could lead to an undesired level of anesthesia, posing a risk to patient safety.

Additionally, modern agent monitors can indeed differentiate between different anesthetic agents, meaning that statement A is false. It's crucial that the correct agent is used with its specific vaporizer to ensure patient safety and the efficacy of anesthesia during procedures.

User Pocheptsov
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