Health And Safety

Question 1

Health effects of exposure to waste anaesthetic gasses

Answer 1

Negative effects on reproductive, hepatic and renal systems.
Increased risk of haematological malignancy and decreased mental performance

Question 2

Where should anaesthetic gas monitoring badges be worn?

Answer 2

Near the collar of a shirt

Question 3

Air changes per hour in theatre and recovery

Answer 3

15-20

Question 4

Measures to minimise exposure to anaesthetic gasses

Answer 4

• Well ventilated theatre and recovery areas
• Use of IV induction agents where possible
• use cuffed ET tubes where appropriate
• use low O2 flow where possible
• fill breathing systems with O2 before disconnecting patient (increase O2 flow at end of procedure)
• use key fill attachments on volatile agent bottles
• fill vaporisers at the end of the day

Question 5

Equiptment to place an IV catheter

Answer 5

• Clippers
• skin preparations (chlorhexadine & alcohol)
• hand sanitiser for the person placing the catheter
• a swab or cotton ball to clean any blood that may escape from the catheter hub
• a pre flushed t-port connector or extension set
• sterile saline flush
• bandage material

Question 6

What sequence of events should be completed before inhalant anaesthetic agent is turned on?

Answer 6

• Induction of anaesthesia
• endotracheal intubation
  -connection of breathing system with O2 flow only
• inflation of ET tube cuff

Question 7

When checking an anaesthetic machine, what should happen when the common gas outlet is occluded while the Oxygen is flowing?

Answer 7

The oxygen flow drops and the non-return pressure relief safety valve should open

Question 8

How many air changes per hour are desirable to reduce exposure to waste anaesthetic gases?

Answer 8

15-20