In-Depth Study Notes: Vaporizers

A set of flashcards covering key concepts detailing vaporizers from the provided lecture notes.

What are inhalational agents?

Anesthetic drugs delivered as gases that require vaporization from liquid form at room temperature.

What did early vaporizers lack?

Control over agent concentration.

How do modern vaporizers work?

They deliver precise, constant concentrations of anesthetic vapor.

What is vapor?

The gaseous phase of a substance below its critical temperature that can condense to liquid under pressure.

Define vapor pressure.

The pressure exerted by vapor in equilibrium with its liquid at a given temperature, increasing with temperature.

What is agent specificity in vaporizers?

Each anesthetic agent has a unique vapor pressure; vaporizers are calibrated for specific agents.

What is partial pressure?

The contribution of each gas in a mixture to the total pressure; clinical effects depend on partial pressure.

What is volume percent?

A practical measure reflecting the proportion of agent molecules in the total gas delivered.

What design do modern vaporizers have?

Out-of-circuit design, placed between flowmeter and common gas outlet.

What function do variable bypass vaporizers serve?

They split fresh gas flow to bypass the agent and flow through the vaporizing chamber to pick up agent.

What is the purpose of automatic compensation in vaporizers?

To adjust the split ratio automatically, unlike older models which required manual adjustment.

How do modern vaporization methods differ from older methods?

Modern methods use carrier gas flowing over liquid with wicks/baffles to increase efficiency, whereas older methods bubbled gas through liquid.

What is the function of temperature compensation in vaporizers?

To maintain a constant output despite temperature variations.

What should be done before each use of a vaporizer?

Check the fill level to avoid overfilling or underfilling.

What is the role of O-rings in vaporizers?

To prevent leaks and must be intact and properly seated.

What does the interlock system in vaporizers prevent?

It prevents more than one vaporizer from being on at once.

What is a common cause of high output in vaporizers?

Overfilling or tipping, causing liquid to enter the bypass chamber.

What is a likely cause of low output in vaporizers?

Low or absent agent supply; check the fill level first.

What unique feature do modern vaporizers possess for safety?

Agent-specific filling to prevent cross-contamination.

What indicates low agent levels in modern vaporizers?

Many use a sight glass only, not all have electronic alerts.