Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of improper delivery of oxygen to the patient?

1. Faulty oxygen tank

2. Disconnection of circuit from the patient

3. Oxygen saturation probe malfunction

4. Improper flow rate setting

The correct answer is: Disconnection of circuit from the patient

The most common cause of improper delivery of oxygen to the patient is often due to the disconnection of the circuit from the patient. This situation can arise during anesthesia procedures when equipment may be accidentally disconnected or improperly assembled. Such disconnection can lead to a lack of oxygen supply, leading to serious consequences for the patient. While faulty equipment such as a malfunctioning oxygen tank or flow rate settings can indeed affect oxygen delivery, these issues are less frequent compared to physical disconnections that may occur during the dynamic setting of surgical procedures. Additionally, while a malfunctioning oxygen saturation probe can affect monitoring, it does not directly prevent the delivery of oxygen itself. The disconnection of the circuit is a critical factor that can immediately compromise patient oxygenation, making it a significant concern in the anesthesia field.