NAGELHOUT CHAPTER 15: CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
FOR NURSE ANESTHESIA ACTUAL EXAM PAPER
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+ | FREQUENTLY
MOST TESTED QUESTIONS AND HIGHLY RATIONALIZED
AND WELL UPDATED | NEWEST UPDATED VERSION!!!
Question 1
A nurse anesthetist is reviewing the physical properties of anesthetic gases.
Which statement best defines solubility?
A. The ability of a gas to diffuse across a membrane
B. The ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and
pressure
C. The pressure exerted by a gas in a mixture
D. The density of a liquid compared with water
Correct Answer:
B. The ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and
pressure
Rationale
Solubility refers to the amount of one substance that can dissolve in another
under specific conditions of temperature and pressure.
In anesthesia, solubility most commonly describes how readily an anesthetic
gas dissolves in blood or tissues.
A gas with high solubility:
• Dissolves readily in blood.
, • Produces slower induction and slower emergence because more
anesthetic must dissolve before equilibrium is reached.
A gas with low solubility:
• Produces rapid induction and recovery.
Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect
• A. Describes diffusion.
• C. Defines partial pressure.
• D. Describes specific gravity.
Clinical Pearl
The blood-gas partition coefficient measures anesthetic gas solubility. Lower
coefficients (e.g., desflurane, nitrous oxide) are associated with faster induction
and emergence.
Question 2
Why does a volatile anesthetic with low blood solubility produce a faster
induction of anesthesia?
A. It binds strongly to plasma proteins.
B. Less anesthetic dissolves in blood, allowing alveolar partial pressure to rise
rapidly.
C. It has a higher molecular weight.
D. It undergoes rapid hepatic metabolism.
Correct Answer:
B. Less anesthetic dissolves in blood, allowing alveolar partial pressure to rise
rapidly.
Rationale
Low-solubility anesthetics do not remain dissolved in the bloodstream for long.
Instead, the alveolar concentration rises quickly, creating a steep partial
pressure gradient that rapidly drives the anesthetic into the brain.
Examples:
, • Nitrous oxide
• Desflurane
• Sevoflurane (relatively low)
Clinical Pearl
Low blood solubility = Fast induction and fast recovery.
Question 3
A patient has a temperature of 37°C. What is this temperature in Fahrenheit?
A. 96.6°F
B. 98.6°F
C. 100.4°F
D. 102.2°F
Correct Answer:
B. 98.6°F
Rationale
Formula:
F = (9/5 × C) + 32
Calculation:
F = (9/5 × 37) + 32
= 66.6 + 32
= 98.6°F
Clinical Pearl
Normal body temperature:
• 37°C
• 98.6°F
These values should be memorized for all healthcare examinations.
, Question 4
A patient has a temperature of 104°F. What is the Celsius equivalent?
A. 38°C
B. 39°C
C. 40°C
D. 41°C
Correct Answer:
C. 40°C
Rationale
Formula:
C = (F − 32) × 5/9
Calculation:
104 − 32 = 72
72 × 5/9 = 40°C
Clinical Pearl
Knowing both temperature conversion formulas is essential for medication
administration, therapeutic hypothermia, and anesthesia practice.
Question 5
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, which formula should be used?
A. K = C × 273
B. K = C + 273.15
C. K = (9/5)C + 32
D. K = C − 273
Correct Answer:
B. K = C + 273.15
Rationale
FOR NURSE ANESTHESIA ACTUAL EXAM PAPER
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+ | FREQUENTLY
MOST TESTED QUESTIONS AND HIGHLY RATIONALIZED
AND WELL UPDATED | NEWEST UPDATED VERSION!!!
Question 1
A nurse anesthetist is reviewing the physical properties of anesthetic gases.
Which statement best defines solubility?
A. The ability of a gas to diffuse across a membrane
B. The ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and
pressure
C. The pressure exerted by a gas in a mixture
D. The density of a liquid compared with water
Correct Answer:
B. The ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and
pressure
Rationale
Solubility refers to the amount of one substance that can dissolve in another
under specific conditions of temperature and pressure.
In anesthesia, solubility most commonly describes how readily an anesthetic
gas dissolves in blood or tissues.
A gas with high solubility:
• Dissolves readily in blood.
, • Produces slower induction and slower emergence because more
anesthetic must dissolve before equilibrium is reached.
A gas with low solubility:
• Produces rapid induction and recovery.
Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect
• A. Describes diffusion.
• C. Defines partial pressure.
• D. Describes specific gravity.
Clinical Pearl
The blood-gas partition coefficient measures anesthetic gas solubility. Lower
coefficients (e.g., desflurane, nitrous oxide) are associated with faster induction
and emergence.
Question 2
Why does a volatile anesthetic with low blood solubility produce a faster
induction of anesthesia?
A. It binds strongly to plasma proteins.
B. Less anesthetic dissolves in blood, allowing alveolar partial pressure to rise
rapidly.
C. It has a higher molecular weight.
D. It undergoes rapid hepatic metabolism.
Correct Answer:
B. Less anesthetic dissolves in blood, allowing alveolar partial pressure to rise
rapidly.
Rationale
Low-solubility anesthetics do not remain dissolved in the bloodstream for long.
Instead, the alveolar concentration rises quickly, creating a steep partial
pressure gradient that rapidly drives the anesthetic into the brain.
Examples:
, • Nitrous oxide
• Desflurane
• Sevoflurane (relatively low)
Clinical Pearl
Low blood solubility = Fast induction and fast recovery.
Question 3
A patient has a temperature of 37°C. What is this temperature in Fahrenheit?
A. 96.6°F
B. 98.6°F
C. 100.4°F
D. 102.2°F
Correct Answer:
B. 98.6°F
Rationale
Formula:
F = (9/5 × C) + 32
Calculation:
F = (9/5 × 37) + 32
= 66.6 + 32
= 98.6°F
Clinical Pearl
Normal body temperature:
• 37°C
• 98.6°F
These values should be memorized for all healthcare examinations.
, Question 4
A patient has a temperature of 104°F. What is the Celsius equivalent?
A. 38°C
B. 39°C
C. 40°C
D. 41°C
Correct Answer:
C. 40°C
Rationale
Formula:
C = (F − 32) × 5/9
Calculation:
104 − 32 = 72
72 × 5/9 = 40°C
Clinical Pearl
Knowing both temperature conversion formulas is essential for medication
administration, therapeutic hypothermia, and anesthesia practice.
Question 5
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, which formula should be used?
A. K = C × 273
B. K = C + 273.15
C. K = (9/5)C + 32
D. K = C − 273
Correct Answer:
B. K = C + 273.15
Rationale
