What is the primary function of the CO2 absorber in the anesthesia machine?

What is the primary function of the CO2 absorber in the anesthesia machine?

• A. Absorb CO2
• B. Absorb O2
• C. Generate Nitrous Oxide
• D. Filter Particulates

Answer: (A)

Removing carbon dioxide from the breathing circuit is the main job of the CO2 absorber. In the circle system, the patient exhales gas that would otherwise build up CO2 if not scrubbed. The absorber, usually lime-based (calcium or sodium hydroxide), chemically binds CO2 to form carbonate and water, allowing the gas to be rebreathed. This keeps the patient from developing hypercapnia and helps conserve anesthetic gas by reusing exhaled gas. It does not affect oxygen delivery, so it doesn’t absorb O2, it doesn’t generate nitrous oxide, and it isn’t primarily a particulate filter.

Removing carbon dioxide from the breathing circuit is the main job of the CO2 absorber. In the circle system, the patient exhales gas that would otherwise build up CO2 if not scrubbed. The absorber, usually lime-based (calcium or sodium hydroxide), chemically binds CO2 to form carbonate and water, allowing the gas to be rebreathed. This keeps the patient from developing hypercapnia and helps conserve anesthetic gas by reusing exhaled gas. It does not affect oxygen delivery, so it doesn’t absorb O2, it doesn’t generate nitrous oxide, and it isn’t primarily a particulate filter.