Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What test correctly identifies a leak in an oxygen flow tube?

1. Positive pressure test

2. Bubble test

3. Negative pressure leak test

4. Visual inspection

The correct answer is: Negative pressure leak test

The correct identification of a leak in an oxygen flow tube is effectively achieved through a negative pressure leak test. This test involves creating a slight vacuum in the system, which allows for detection of leaks by observing if there is a drop in pressure. If a leak is present, the pressure will decrease as air enters the system, indicating where the leak may be located. The negative pressure leak test is particularly useful in ensuring the integrity of the oxygen delivery system, which is crucial for patient safety during anesthesia procedures. By utilizing this method, technicians can pinpoint deficiencies that could lead to compromised oxygen delivery, preventing potentially dangerous situations. While other methods such as visual inspection or positive pressure tests may provide insights regarding the condition of tubes and connections, they do not specifically focus on the detection of leaks with the same accuracy provided by a negative pressure test. The bubble test, often used in different contexts, would not be suitable as it is designed for liquids rather than gases, further highlighting why a negative pressure leak test is the preferred choice for identifying leaks in oxygen flow tubes.