Question

Which item is NOT an indication of exhausted CO₂ absorbent?

A) Change in color of granules
B) Increase in temperature of absorber
C) Moisture in circuit
D) Increased inspired CO₂
E) None of the above

Answer 1

Option E) None of the above is not an indication of exhausted CO₂ absorbent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The item that is NOT an indication of exhausted CO₂ absorbent is option E) None of the above.

The change in color of granules (option A) is an indication of exhausted CO₂ absorbent as CO₂ absorbents usually change color after they have absorbed CO₂. The increase in temperature of the absorber (option B) can also occur when the CO₂ absorbent is exhausted because the process of absorbing CO₂ generates heat. Moisture in the circuit (option C) can be an indication of exhausted CO₂ absorbent as well, as the presence of moisture could indicate that the CO₂ absorbent has reached its maximum capacity. Increased inspired CO₂ (option D) is also an indication of exhausted CO₂ absorbent, as it suggests that the absorbent is no longer effectively removing CO₂ from the breathing circuit.