Which component is responsible for removing CO2 from the breathing circuit?

Which component is responsible for removing CO2 from the breathing circuit?

• A. Ventilator Controls
• B. Ventilator Bellows
• C. Reservoir Bag
• D. CO2 Absorber

Answer: (D)

The component that removes CO2 from the breathing circuit is the CO2 absorber. In the circle breathing system, exhaled gas passes through the absorber canister containing a chemical scrubber (such as soda lime or calcium hydroxide). The CO2 reacts with the absorbent, forming calcium carbonate and water, which allows the remaining gases to be re-inspired without accumulating CO2. This process is essential for safe rebreathing during anesthesia. The other parts have different roles: vent­ilator controls set rate, tidal volume, and breath timing; the ventilator bellows move gas to deliver breaths; and the reservoir bag serves as a reservoir for manual ventilation and gas collection but does not remove CO2. If the absorber becomes exhausted, CO2 can accumulate and cause rebreathing and hypercapnia.

The component that removes CO2 from the breathing circuit is the CO2 absorber. In the circle breathing system, exhaled gas passes through the absorber canister containing a chemical scrubber (such as soda lime or calcium hydroxide). The CO2 reacts with the absorbent, forming calcium carbonate and water, which allows the remaining gases to be re-inspired without accumulating CO2. This process is essential for safe rebreathing during anesthesia. The other parts have different roles: vent­ilator controls set rate, tidal volume, and breath timing; the ventilator bellows move gas to deliver breaths; and the reservoir bag serves as a reservoir for manual ventilation and gas collection but does not remove CO2. If the absorber becomes exhausted, CO2 can accumulate and cause rebreathing and hypercapnia.