Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What does FIO2 stand for in anesthesia?

1. Fraction of inspired oxygen

2. Fixed inspired oxygen

3. Flow inspired oxygen

4. Functional inspired oxygen

The correct answer is: Fraction of inspired oxygen

FIO2 stands for Fraction of Inspired Oxygen. This term is critical in the field of anesthesia as it refers to the percentage or fraction of oxygen in the gas mixture that a patient inhales. Understanding FIO2 is vital for managing a patient's oxygenation status during anesthesia and surgery. In clinical settings, monitoring and adjusting FIO2 allows anesthetists to ensure that patients receive adequate oxygen levels, especially in situations where normal breathing may be impaired, such as during general anesthesia. This adjustment helps prevent complications arising from hypoxia, ensuring that the patient maintains optimal oxygen levels throughout the procedure. The other options do not accurately capture the definition of FIO2. For instance, "fixed inspired oxygen" suggests a static, unchanging level of oxygen, which does not represent the variable and adjustable nature of FIO2 in practice. "Flow inspired oxygen" and "functional inspired oxygen" also do not correctly describe the concept of the fraction of oxygen within the inhaled gas, making them less relevant in this context. Therefore, the answer indicating Fraction of Inspired Oxygen is indeed the most accurate and relevant choice when discussing anesthesia.