Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What can result from rebreathing CO2 in anesthetic practice?

1. Metabolic alkalosis

2. Hypoxemia

3. Hypercapnia

4. Bradycardia

The correct answer is: Hypercapnia

Rebreathing carbon dioxide (CO2) in an anesthetic practice can lead to hypercapnia, which is an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the bloodstream. This occurs when there is inadequate removal of exhaled CO2, allowing it to be inhaled again, which can happen in certain anesthetic circuits. The buildup of CO2 in the body results in respiratory acidosis, as the body compensates for this excess carbon dioxide by increasing respiration, although this compensation can be impaired under anesthesia. Hypercapnia can have significant physiological effects, including increased heart rate and potential alterations in consciousness, as the body struggles to maintain normal pH levels and oxygenation. In anesthesia, it's crucial to monitor CO2 levels to ensure that the patient remains stable and to prevent the detrimental effects of CO2 rebreathing. Other options, while they may have links to respiratory function and anesthesia, do not typically result directly from rebreathing CO2. Metabolic alkalosis involves an increase in blood pH due to loss of acids or gain of bases, which is not a consequence of CO2 rebreathing. Hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood and is primarily associated with ventilation-perfusion mismatch or inadequate oxygen delivery