Which device creates a pressure gradient between the proximal airway and the alveoli and uses an oxygen-powered bellows to expel anesthetic gases into the circuit?

Which device creates a pressure gradient between the proximal airway and the alveoli and uses an oxygen-powered bellows to expel anesthetic gases into the circuit?

• A. Ventilator
• B. Ambu bag
• C. Oxygen analyzer
• D. Flowmeter

Answer: (A)

Ventilation works by creating a pressure gradient between the proximal airway and the alveoli; the airway pressure must exceed alveolar pressure to push gas into the lungs. A ventilator provides that controlled pressure gradient, and in many anesthesia machines it uses oxygen-powered bellows to push fresh gas into the breathing circuit, delivering breaths and simultaneously moving anesthetic gases from the vaporizer toward the patient. An Ambu bag can be used to deliver breaths manually but isn’t driven by an oxygen-powered bellows within a machine. A oxygen analyzer only measures oxygen content, and a flowmeter measures gas flow without generating the inspiratory pressure needed for ventilation.

Ventilation works by creating a pressure gradient between the proximal airway and the alveoli; the airway pressure must exceed alveolar pressure to push gas into the lungs. A ventilator provides that controlled pressure gradient, and in many anesthesia machines it uses oxygen-powered bellows to push fresh gas into the breathing circuit, delivering breaths and simultaneously moving anesthetic gases from the vaporizer toward the patient. An Ambu bag can be used to deliver breaths manually but isn’t driven by an oxygen-powered bellows within a machine. A oxygen analyzer only measures oxygen content, and a flowmeter measures gas flow without generating the inspiratory pressure needed for ventilation.