PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS 2026
◉ What are the four basic components of an anesthetic machine?
Answer: A gas source, pressure regulator, flowmeter, and vaporizer.
◉ What additional component is required for function?
Answer: A breathing circuit attached to the machine.
◉ What are the five primary functions of an anesthetic machine and
breathing circuit?
Answer: Provide oxygen, support ventilation, deliver inhalant
anesthetics, remove exhaled CO2, and remove waste anesthetic
gases.
◉ What are the major system divisions of an anesthesia machine?
Answer: Supply, processing, delivery, and disposal systems.
◉ PART 2 - GAS SUPPLY & CYLINDERS
Answer:
,◉ What are the two main oxygen cylinder sizes?
Answer: E cylinders and H cylinders.
◉ What is the capacity of an E cylinder?
Answer: Approximately 660 liters of oxygen.
◉ What is the capacity of an H cylinder?
Answer: Approximately 6900 liters of oxygen.
◉ What is the pressure inside a full oxygen cylinder?
Answer: About 2200 psi.
◉ How does oxygen cylinder pressure change as gas is used?
Answer: Pressure decreases linearly with volume.
◉ When should oxygen cylinders be replaced?
Answer: When pressure falls below approximately 200 psig.
◉ How is nitrous oxide stored?
Answer: As a liquid under high pressure.
◉ How does nitrous oxide pressure change as it empties?
, Answer: Pressure remains constant until most liquid is gone, then
rapidly decreases.
◉ Why are gas cylinders dangerous?
Answer: They can become high-speed projectiles if damaged or
knocked over.
◉ What safety precautions should be taken with cylinders?
Answer: Secure them upright, avoid heat and oil contamination, and
handle carefully.
◉ What alternative oxygen sources exist?
Answer: Liquid oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators.
◉ How much gas does liquid oxygen produce?
Answer: One cubic foot produces about 24,338 liters of oxygen gas.
◉ PART 3 - GAS CONNECTION & SAFETY SYSTEMS
Answer:
◉ What is the purpose of the Pin Index Safety System (PISS)?
Answer: Prevents incorrect cylinder attachment.