Humidification — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysicsHumidificationFRCA Primary

A ventilated patient develops thick secretions during a long case without humidification. What is the most important safety consideration?

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Correct answer: A — Heat and moisture exchanger

An HME conserves heat and water from exhaled gas. Leakage current control and isolation is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Hypoxic guard is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Non-interchangeable screw thread is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Scavenging system 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