Question

Sevoflurane reacts with CO₂ absorbent to create what dangerous chemical?

A) Compound A
B) Compound C
C) Carbon monoxide (CO)
D) Sodium hydroxide
E) None of the above

Answer 1

Sevoflurane reacts with CO₂ absorbents to potentially produce both compound A, a kidney toxin, and carbon monoxide (CO), which can lead to poisoning.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sevoflurane, which is an inhalant anesthetic compound, can react with carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorbents such as those used in anesthesia machines to produce a dangerous chemical. The reaction of sevoflurane with these absorbents, particularly when they are desiccated (dried out), can lead to the production of compound A and also potentially carbon monoxide (CO), which is hazardous to patients and health care providers. Compound A, a kidney toxin, and CO, a substance that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, are significant concerns in the clinical setting, where the safety of inhaled anesthetics is paramount.