VETT 134 Clinical Skills Test Study
Guide well answered to pass
Identify all parts of the anesthetic machine and describe their function. - ANS ✔✔*pressure
manometer - indicates the pressure that is within the breathing circuit and the patient's
airways/lungs. The pressure is normally zero, and should never exceed 20cmH20 with the
patient intubated
*vaporizer - contains the anesthetic gas in liquid form, which is converted to vapor as the
oxygen flows through it. (precision vaporizer -isoflurane or sevoflurane)
*flutter valves - inspiratory and expiratory valves that ensure unidirectional flow of gases
through the breathing circuit
*reservoir bag - acts as a reservoir of gases for the patient to breathe. Also expands and
contracts allowing veterinary personnel to monitor a patient's respirations. Also allows us to
ventilate a patient
*scavenger canister - gets rid of the exhaled anesthetic and throws outside the building
*pop off valve - maintains the normal operating pressure of the anesthetic system by allowing
excess gas to exit from the anesthetic circuit and enter the scavenger
*CO2 absorbent canister - contains soda lime which absorbs carbon dioxide and water vapor
expired by the patient
*oxygen flush valve - bypasses flowmeter and vaporizer and delivers oxygen at 30-70 psi which
is not safe for the patient's lungs
*oxygen flow meter - regulates the volume of oxygen supplied to the anesthetic system and to
the patient (measured in L/min)
Identify exhausted CO2 granules - ANS ✔✔*granules may turn purple or become off white and
brittle
*need to be changed after 6 to 12 hours of use
, Describe how to properly leak check an anesthetic machine - ANS ✔✔*verify that the
flowmeter is off, close the pop-off valve or exit port completely
*cover the patient end of the breathing tubes using a thumb or palm of hand
*use oxygen flush valve to pressurize the system
*pressurize the system to 20 cm H2O, hold pressure for at least 10 seconds
*check suspicious areas for leaks (connection of reservoir bag, around seal of carboline canister,
connection of breathing tubes)
*open the pop-off valve then squeeze any remaining air from bag before removing hand from
end of breathing tube
Identify (multiple) common areas for leaks in anesthetic machines. - ANS ✔✔1. ends of the
breathing hoses and Y-piece
2. neck of the reservoir bag
3. seals of the carbon dioxide absorber canister, due to improper positioning of the canister or
the presence of absorbent granules on the seals around the canister
4. the covering of a unidirectional valve
5. the connection between the adjustable pressure limiting valve and scavenger
6. the vaporizer cap
Describe the proper way to clean an OR in order to maintain aseptic conditions. - ANS
✔✔*close the OR doors to avoid airborne contamination and excess dust and debris from
entering the room
*dampen first cloth with disinfectant and begin cleaning surgical light at ceiling
*clean the surgical table from top to floor then retire first rag
*place a new liner in kick bucket
*grab a second rag and wet it in clean disinfectant
*use a new rag any time floor is touched before completing wall cleaning
*clean any other equipment (i.e. oxygen tanks, items mounted on the walls) and cleaned from
the top down
Guide well answered to pass
Identify all parts of the anesthetic machine and describe their function. - ANS ✔✔*pressure
manometer - indicates the pressure that is within the breathing circuit and the patient's
airways/lungs. The pressure is normally zero, and should never exceed 20cmH20 with the
patient intubated
*vaporizer - contains the anesthetic gas in liquid form, which is converted to vapor as the
oxygen flows through it. (precision vaporizer -isoflurane or sevoflurane)
*flutter valves - inspiratory and expiratory valves that ensure unidirectional flow of gases
through the breathing circuit
*reservoir bag - acts as a reservoir of gases for the patient to breathe. Also expands and
contracts allowing veterinary personnel to monitor a patient's respirations. Also allows us to
ventilate a patient
*scavenger canister - gets rid of the exhaled anesthetic and throws outside the building
*pop off valve - maintains the normal operating pressure of the anesthetic system by allowing
excess gas to exit from the anesthetic circuit and enter the scavenger
*CO2 absorbent canister - contains soda lime which absorbs carbon dioxide and water vapor
expired by the patient
*oxygen flush valve - bypasses flowmeter and vaporizer and delivers oxygen at 30-70 psi which
is not safe for the patient's lungs
*oxygen flow meter - regulates the volume of oxygen supplied to the anesthetic system and to
the patient (measured in L/min)
Identify exhausted CO2 granules - ANS ✔✔*granules may turn purple or become off white and
brittle
*need to be changed after 6 to 12 hours of use
, Describe how to properly leak check an anesthetic machine - ANS ✔✔*verify that the
flowmeter is off, close the pop-off valve or exit port completely
*cover the patient end of the breathing tubes using a thumb or palm of hand
*use oxygen flush valve to pressurize the system
*pressurize the system to 20 cm H2O, hold pressure for at least 10 seconds
*check suspicious areas for leaks (connection of reservoir bag, around seal of carboline canister,
connection of breathing tubes)
*open the pop-off valve then squeeze any remaining air from bag before removing hand from
end of breathing tube
Identify (multiple) common areas for leaks in anesthetic machines. - ANS ✔✔1. ends of the
breathing hoses and Y-piece
2. neck of the reservoir bag
3. seals of the carbon dioxide absorber canister, due to improper positioning of the canister or
the presence of absorbent granules on the seals around the canister
4. the covering of a unidirectional valve
5. the connection between the adjustable pressure limiting valve and scavenger
6. the vaporizer cap
Describe the proper way to clean an OR in order to maintain aseptic conditions. - ANS
✔✔*close the OR doors to avoid airborne contamination and excess dust and debris from
entering the room
*dampen first cloth with disinfectant and begin cleaning surgical light at ceiling
*clean the surgical table from top to floor then retire first rag
*place a new liner in kick bucket
*grab a second rag and wet it in clean disinfectant
*use a new rag any time floor is touched before completing wall cleaning
*clean any other equipment (i.e. oxygen tanks, items mounted on the walls) and cleaned from
the top down
