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Transducer level — FRCA Primary MCQ

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EasyPhysicsTransducer levelFRCA Primary

An arterial transducer placed below the right atrium overestimates pressure. What is the most important safety consideration?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: BHydrostatic levelling error

A low transducer adds hydrostatic pressure. Uneven alveolar emptying is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Mapleson A is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Saturated vapour pressure is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Nitrous oxide liquid-vapour cylinder is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA physics and measurement, the safest answer is the one that follows the underlying physical principle and the limitations of the device.

Reference: Davis and Kenny Basic Physics and Measurement in Anaesthesia; RCoA Primary FRCA syllabus