Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

Which material is commonly used as a CO2 absorbent in anesthesia?

1. Soda lime

2. Calcium carbonate

3. Potassium bromide

4. Magnesium hydroxide

The correct answer is: Soda lime

Soda lime is commonly used as a CO2 absorbent in anesthesia because of its high efficiency in absorbing carbon dioxide from the exhaled gases during general anesthesia. It is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide, and often contains calcium carbonates, which contribute to its ability to neutralize CO2 and prevent the buildup of this gas in the breathing circuit. This is critical in maintaining proper ventilation and ensuring patient safety during procedures requiring anesthesia. The other materials listed have different chemical properties and uses. Calcium carbonate, for example, is primarily known as an antacid and does not possess the same absorbent capacity for carbon dioxide as soda lime. Potassium bromide is mainly utilized as a sedative or anticonvulsant in veterinary medicine and does not play a role in gas absorption during anesthesia. Magnesium hydroxide is often used as an antacid as well and does not serve the purpose of CO2 absorption. Thus, soda lime is the preferred choice in the context of anesthesia for managing carbon dioxide levels.