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Arterial damping — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysicsArterial dampingFRCA Primary

A compliant arterial line blunts systolic pressure and raises diastolic 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: A — Pressure transducer damping

Over-damping removes high-frequency waveform components. Non-interchangeable screw thread 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. Infrared gas analyser 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. 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