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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Anesthesia Technician Question Paper: Practice Questions

Quick, free anesthesia tech practice test with instant results and brief explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Rhonda CurrieUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for anesthesia technician exam quiz on a golden yellow background

Use this quiz to practice anesthesia technician exam questions and sharpen your judgment on airway care, equipment checks, and patient safety. Get instant results with short explanations so you can spot gaps and track progress. If you want more practice in related areas, try our surgical tech practice exam, respiratory therapy practice questions, or instrumentation technician knowledge quiz.

Which device is used to non-invasively monitor a patient's oxygen saturation?
Pulse oximeter
Sphygmomanometer
Electrocardiogram
Capnograph
A pulse oximeter uses light absorption to measure peripheral oxygen saturation non-invasively. It provides continuous SpO2 readings during anesthesia care. Other devices monitor different physiological parameters.
What is the primary function of the oxygen flush valve on an anesthesia machine?
Regulate vaporizer output
Deliver high-flow oxygen to the breathing circuit
Adjust fresh gas flow rate
Measure patient tidal volume
The oxygen flush valve bypasses the flowmeters to deliver a high flow of pure oxygen directly to the breathing circuit. It is typically used to rapidly increase circuit pressure or flush out anesthetic agents. It should be used cautiously to avoid barotrauma.
Which color coding is standard for nitrous oxide cylinders?
Blue
Black
Yellow
Green
According to international medical gas color standards, nitrous oxide cylinders are colored blue. Oxygen is green in the USA but white internationally, and nitrogen is black. Color coding helps prevent misconnections.
What does the scavenging system in an anesthesia setup primarily remove?
Surgical smoke
Dust particles
Patient secretions
Excess anesthetic gases
The scavenging system collects and removes wasted anesthetic gases from the breathing circuit to protect staff from exposure. It does not handle secretions or smoke. Proper scavenging reduces occupational hazards.
Which agent is a volatile anesthetic delivered via a vaporizer?
Propofol
Ketamine
Etomidate
Sevoflurane
Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic agent delivered through a vaporizer in the anesthesia machine. Propofol, ketamine, and etomidate are intravenous agents. Volatile agents allow rapid adjustments of anesthesia depth.
What is the minimal fasting period for clear liquids before elective surgery?
2 hours
8 hours
6 hours
4 hours
Current guidelines recommend a minimum fasting period of 2 hours for clear liquids to reduce aspiration risk. Longer fasting periods can cause patient discomfort and dehydration. These guidelines aid in balancing safety and comfort.
Which circuit component prevents rebreathing of exhaled gases?
One-way valves
Y-piece
Reservoir bag
Scavenging line
One-way valves in the breathing circuit allow gases to flow in a single direction, preventing rebreathing of exhaled gases. The reservoir bag stores gases for patient breaths. The Y-piece connects to the patient, and the scavenging line removes waste.
What does MAC stand for in the context of inhaled anesthetics?
Minimum alveolar concentration
Minimal airway clearance
Mean airway concentration
Maximum airway capacity
MAC is the minimum alveolar concentration at which 50% of patients do not move in response to a stimulus. It is a standard measure of anesthetic potency. Lower MAC indicates higher potency.
Which gauge is commonly used for arterial blood gas sampling?
23-gauge
18-gauge
16-gauge
14-gauge
A 23-gauge needle is standard for arterial blood gas sampling to minimize vessel trauma and patient discomfort. Larger needles increase bleeding risk. Smaller needles may hemolyze the sample.
Which gas is commonly used to power pneumatic drills in orthopedic procedures?
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Nitrous oxide
Carbon dioxide
Compressed nitrogen is often used to power pneumatic surgical tools because it is inert and dry. Oxygen supports combustion and is dangerous in power tools. Nitrous oxide is anesthetic, not used for power.
What is the purpose of a manifold system on an anesthesia machine?
Measure flow rates
Store intravenous fluids
Maintain pipeline gas supply if one source fails
Hold vaporizer liquid
A pipeline manifold ensures continuous gas supply by linking multiple cylinders. It prevents interruption if one cylinder depletes. Flowmeters measure rate, vaporizers hold liquids, and IV fluids are unrelated.
Which component of the anesthesia circuit acts as a reservoir for gases?
Pressure gauge
Flowmeter
Vaporizer
Reservoir bag
The reservoir bag stores gases delivered to the patient and accommodates tidal volume. Flowmeters control flow, pressure gauges measure pressure, and vaporizers add anesthetic vapor.
What safety feature prevents administration of hypoxic gas mixtures?
Pressure relief valve
Oxygen failure alarm
Vaporizer interlock
Hypoxia prevention safety device
The hypoxia prevention device links oxygen and nitrous oxide flows to prevent delivering less than a safe oxygen fraction. Pressure relief valves and alarms address pressure and failures, and vaporizer interlocks prevent simultaneous use of two agents.
Which gas analyzer detects end-tidal CO2?
Mass spectrometer
Oximeter
Infrared spectrophotometer
Capnograph
A capnograph measures exhaled CO2 concentrations continuously, displaying capnography waveforms. While mass spectrometers and IR spectrophotometers can analyze gases, capnographs are specialized for CO2. Oximeters measure oxygen.
What shape is the tube in a variable orifice flowmeter?
Inverted conical
Vertically tapered
Spherical
Cylindrical
Variable orifice (Thorpe) flowmeters use a vertically tapered tube that widens at the top, allowing the float to rise to a position proportional to flow. This design ensures consistent calibration regardless of downstream pressure. Cylindrical or inverted conical shapes do not provide this accurate flow control.
Which leak test uses positive pressure to check the integrity of the anesthesia circle system?
Scavenger check
Positive-pressure leak test
Negative-pressure leak test
Alarms self-test
The positive-pressure leak test applies pressure to the circle system to detect leaks in breathing tubes and connections. A negative-pressure test draws vacuum. Alarms and scavenger checks do not test circuit integrity.
A patient is ventilated with a tidal volume of 600 mL and a rate of 14 breaths per minute. What is the minute ventilation?
6.0 L/min
14.6 L/min
8.4 L/min
5.2 L/min
Minute ventilation equals tidal volume times respiratory rate: 0.6 L × 14 = 8.4 L/min. Other values miscalculate this product. Accurate minute volume ensures adequate ventilation.
According to Boyle's law, at a constant temperature, what happens to the volume of a gas if its pressure is doubled?
Volume remains unchanged
Volume quadruples
Volume is halved
Volume doubles
Boyle's law states that pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional at constant temperature. Doubling pressure halves volume. Other options contradict this relationship.
What is the approximate boiling point of sevoflurane under atmospheric pressure?
-49°C
19.5°C
104°C
58.5°C
Sevoflurane's boiling point at 1 atm is approximately 58.5°C, enabling controlled vaporization in the anesthetic vaporizer. Other values correspond to different agents or conditions. Accurate knowledge ensures proper vaporizer performance.
What material is commonly used for standard anesthesia circuit corrugated tubing?
Silicone
Stainless steel
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Latex rubber
Corrugated tubing in anesthesia circuits is often made of PVC due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Silicone is used for reusable components, latex poses allergy risks, and metal is unsuitable for flexibility.
Which inhaled anesthetic requires a heated, electronically controlled vaporizer?
Isoflurane
Halothane
Desflurane
Sevoflurane
Desflurane has a very high vapor pressure and low boiling point, requiring a heated, electronically controlled vaporizer. Isoflurane and sevoflurane use traditional variable bypass vaporizers. Halothane is rarely used but nonheated.
What color is an oxygen cylinder under the US gas cylinder color-coding system?
Blue
Green
Black
White
In the US, medical oxygen cylinders are colored green as per the CGA standard. White is international, blue is nitrous oxide, and black is nitrogen. Color coding prevents gas misidentification.
What is the primary function of the adjustable pressure-limiting (APL) valve in manual ventilation?
Control circuit pressure and allow excess gas to escape
Measure tidal volume
Inject anesthetic vapor
Deliver supplemental oxygen
The APL valve regulates maximum circuit pressure during manual ventilation by venting excess gas. It does not measure volume or inject vapor. Supplemental oxygen is delivered via flowmeters.
According to ASA guidelines, how often should a full anesthesia machine checkout be performed?
Once per day
Weekly
Before each anesthesia case
Monthly
ASA standards require a complete machine checkout before each patient to ensure safety. Weekly or monthly checks are insufficient. This reduces intraoperative equipment failures.
What is the approximate pressure reading for a full oxygen E-cylinder?
750 psi
2000 psi
500 psi
3000 psi
A full oxygen E-cylinder reads about 2000 psi when full at room temperature. Nitrous oxide cylinders differ. 750 psi is the rough fill pressure for N2O liquid vapor.
What is the recommended tidal volume range for lung-protective mechanical ventilation in an adult patient?
4-6 mL/kg
10-12 mL/kg
6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight
8-10 mL/kg
Lung-protective ventilation recommends 6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight to minimize barotrauma. Lower volumes risk hypoventilation; higher volumes increase lung injury. These settings balance oxygenation and safety.
Which type of filter is used in anesthesia gas lines to remove moisture and particulate contamination?
Charcoal filter
UV filter
HEPA filter
Hydrophobic filter
Hydrophobic filters repel water and remove particulate matter in gas lines, protecting downstream components. HEPA filters trap fine particles in air handling. Charcoal filters adsorb gases. UV filters disinfect, not remove moisture.
What does the Pin Index Safety System (PISS) on anesthesia cylinders prevent?
Over-pressurization
Attachment of wrong gas cylinder
Pipeline crossover
Gas leakage
The PISS uses unique pin placements to prevent wrong gas cylinders from connecting to yokes. It does not control pressure or leakage directly. Pipeline crossover refers to pipeline systems, not cylinders.
What is the goal of denitrogenation prior to low-flow anesthesia?
Wash out alveolar nitrogen to stabilize inspired gas concentrations
Prevent vaporizer leakage
Increase circuit humidity
Reduce MAC requirement
Denitrogenation removes alveolar nitrogen by using high FIO2 to allow precise control of inspired gases during low-flow anesthesia. It does not primarily affect humidity, MAC, or vaporizer leakage. Proper washout improves patient safety.
In a scavenging system, what component protects the breathing circuit from excessive negative pressure?
APL valve
One-way valve
Reservoir bag
Scavenger interface pressure relief valve
The scavenger interface includes a pressure relief valve to prevent negative pressure transmission to the breathing circuit. One-way valves control flow direction, the APL valve limits positive pressure, and the reservoir bag stores gas.
Which gas law states that the total pressure of a gas mixture equals the sum of partial pressures of its components?
Dalton's law
Boyle's law
Charles's law
Henry's law
Dalton's law explains that total pressure in a gas mixture is the sum of individual partial pressures. Henry's law concerns gas solubility in liquids. Boyle's and Charles's laws relate pressure-volume and volume-temperature respectively.
Approximately how long will a full oxygen E-cylinder (660 L) last at a flow rate of 2 L/min?
110 minutes
660 minutes
1320 minutes
330 minutes
E-cylinder holds about 660 L of O?. At 2 L/min, duration = 660 / 2 = 330 minutes. Other calculations do not match this division. Accurate planning prevents supply interruptions.
Which inhalational anesthetic has the highest blood/gas partition coefficient, indicating slower induction and emergence?
Sevoflurane
Halothane
Desflurane
Nitrous oxide
Halothane has a blood/gas partition coefficient around 2.4, slower than sevoflurane (0.65), desflurane (0.42), and nitrous oxide (0.47). Higher values delay equilibration and emergence. Knowledge of solubility affects clinical decisions.
How does increased compliance in the breathing circuit affect delivered tidal volume during mechanical ventilation?
Delivered tidal volume decreases
Delivered tidal volume increases
Only peak pressure changes
No effect on tidal volume
Higher circuit compliance absorbs more volume under pressure, reducing the volume delivered to the patient. Increased compliance also affects pressure monitoring. Knowing compliance ensures accurate ventilation.
Which type of scavenging interface contains no valves and allows ambient pressure equilibrium?
Active interface
Closed interface
Open interface
Semi-open interface
An open scavenging interface has no valves and vents directly to the atmosphere, maintaining ambient pressure. Closed interfaces have pressure relief valves. Semi-open and active interfaces involve controlled suction.
Which type of oxygen analyzer uses the paramagnetic property of O? molecules for measurement?
Infrared analyzer
Clark electrode
Electrochemical cell
Paramagnetic analyzer
Paramagnetic analyzers detect oxygen by its strong magnetic susceptibility compared to other gases. Clark electrodes are electrochemical and infrared analyzers detect CO? etc. Electrochemical cells measure partial pressure.
What is the active chemical component in soda lime used for CO? absorption in circle systems?
Sodium bicarbonate
Potassium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide
Calcium carbonate
Soda lime contains mainly calcium hydroxide that reacts with CO? to form calcium carbonate, water, and heat. Sodium bicarbonate and KOH serve as activators but lesser components. Pure calcium carbonate does not absorb CO? effectively.
In volume-controlled ventilation, which parameter is held constant regardless of changes in lung compliance?
Inspiratory pressure
Inspiratory time
Peak flow
Tidal volume
Volume-controlled ventilation delivers a preset tidal volume regardless of compliance or resistance changes, altering airway pressures accordingly. In pressure-controlled modes, pressure is held constant. Peak flow and inspiratory time may be set but not primary control variables.
Which ventilator mode provides augmented spontaneous breaths at a set pressure level?
Volume control ventilation
Pressure support ventilation
SIMV
Pressure control ventilation
Pressure support ventilation assists patient-initiated breaths by providing preset pressure. Pressure control and volume control modes are mandatory. SIMV combines spontaneous and mandatory breaths but not pure pressure support.
Which gas law describes the relationship between gas solubility in a liquid and its partial pressure above the liquid?
Dalton's law
Henry's law
Charles's law
Boyle's law
Henry's law states that gas solubility in a liquid is directly proportional to its partial pressure above the liquid. Dalton's deals with pressure summation, Boyle's with pressure-volume, and Charles's with volume-temperature.
How frequently should CO? absorbent canisters be changed according to standard practice?
After 12 hours of use or color change
Every 24 hours regardless
Only when gas leak is detected
Every 4 hours of use
CO? absorbent canisters are usually changed after 12 hours of use or when color indicators show exhaustion. Four-hour intervals are too frequent, and waiting 24 hours risks ineffective absorption. Leak detection is unrelated.
An increased difference between peak inspiratory pressure and plateau pressure indicates:
Reduced lung compliance
Circuit leak
Low fresh gas flow
Increased airway resistance
A large PIP-plateau pressure difference reflects increased airflow resistance in airways or circuit. Reduced compliance elevates both pressures equally without widening the difference. Leaks and fresh gas flow affect pressures differently.
What is the function of the oxygen failure protection device on an anesthesia machine?
Regulate O? flow to patient
Alarm when O? cylinder is full
Prevent O? overdose
Shut off N?O if O? pressure falls
The oxygen failure protection device (fail-safe) stops nitrous oxide supply when oxygen pressure drops below a threshold to prevent hypoxic mixtures. It does not regulate flow or prevent overdoses.
What minimum fresh gas flow is required in a circle system to ensure no rebreathing for a 7 L/min minute ventilation?
5 L/min
10 L/min
2 L/min
7 L/min
A fresh gas flow at least equal to minute ventilation prevents rebreathing in circle systems. Lower flows risk rebreathing; higher flows waste gases. This principle is key for low-flow anesthesia safety.
What reaction occurs when CO? reacts with soda lime absorbent?
CO? + MgO ? MgCO?
CO? + Ca(OH)? ? CaCO? + H?O
CO? + NaCl ? NaCO? + Cl?
CO? + KOH ? K?CO? + H?
CO? reacts with calcium hydroxide in soda lime to form calcium carbonate and water, releasing heat. Other reactions are not representative of soda lime chemistry. Understanding this reaction is central to circle system function.
At high altitude (e.g., 5000 feet), how does the delivered percentage concentration of volatile anesthetic from a variable bypass vaporizer change?
Increases due to lower atmospheric pressure
Becomes unpredictable without oxygen analyzer
Decreases proportionally to altitude
Remains approximately the same, but partial pressure decreases
Variable bypass vaporizers deliver a set volume percent regardless of altitude, but reduced ambient pressure lowers the agent's partial pressure. Thus, concentration (%) stays constant but the anesthetic effect may vary. Oxygen analyzers ensure accurate FiO?, not agent concentration.
Which intravenous anesthetic has the shortest context-sensitive half-time after prolonged infusion?
Sufentanil
Remifentanil
Fentanyl
Morphine
Remifentanil is rapidly metabolized by nonspecific blood esterases, giving it an extremely short context-sensitive half-time even after prolonged infusion. Other opioids accumulate in tissues, prolonging recovery. This property allows quick titration and recovery.
What defines the critical temperature of a substance in relation to anesthesia gas storage?
The temperature below which gas solidifies
The temperature at which liquid boils at 1 atm
The temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied
The temperature at which gas density is maximal
Critical temperature is the highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid regardless of pressure. Carbon dioxide's critical temperature (31.1°C) explains why it cannot be liquefied at higher temperatures. Boiling point and solidification are separate properties.
Which analytical method in anesthesia gas monitoring separates gases based on mass-to-charge ratios?
Mass spectrometry
Electrochemical sensing
Paramagnetic analysis
Infrared spectroscopy
Mass spectrometry identifies and quantifies gases by separating ions according to mass-to-charge ratios. Infrared spectroscopy uses light absorption characteristics, and paramagnetic analysis and electrochemical sensing rely on magnetic and chemical properties. Mass spec offers multi-gas analysis.
How does nitrous oxide affect the volume of a cuffed endotracheal tube cuff during prolonged anesthesia?
It diffuses out of the cuff, decreasing its volume
It stabilizes cuff volume by replacing nitrogen
It has no effect due to its polarity
It diffuses into the cuff, increasing its volume
Nitrous oxide diffuses into the air-filled cuff faster than nitrogen diffuses out, increasing cuff pressure and volume. This can risk mucosal injury. Monitoring and intermittent deflation are recommended.
In low-flow anesthesia, what is the mathematical time constant for reaching 63% of steady-state gas concentration?
Fresh gas flow rate divided by circuit volume
Minute ventilation multiplied by circuit compliance
Circuit volume divided by fresh gas flow rate
Tidal volume multiplied by respiratory rate
The time constant (?) in low-flow circuits equals circuit volume divided by fresh gas flow, determining uptake and equilibrium speed. A larger ? indicates slower approach to steady-state. Minute ventilation and compliance relate differently.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Fundamental Anesthesia Technology Concepts -

    Grasp the essential principles and terminology used in anesthesia practice to build a solid foundation for tackling anesthesia technician exam questions.

  2. Analyze Anesthesia Equipment Components and Functions -

    Identify the purpose and operation of key anesthesia devices, ensuring you can recognize and describe each component during the certification exam.

  3. Apply Patient Monitoring and Safety Protocols -

    Learn to implement standard monitoring techniques and safety checks to maintain patient well-being throughout anesthesia procedures.

  4. Interpret and Answer Anesthesia Technician Exam Questions Effectively -

    Develop strategies for understanding question formats and selecting correct responses under time constraints in your practice quiz.

  5. Troubleshoot Common Equipment Issues in Practice Scenarios -

    Practice diagnosing and resolving typical technical problems using scenario-based questions that mirror real-world challenges.

  6. Boost Certification Readiness with Targeted Quiz Practice -

    Enhance your confidence and exam performance by testing your knowledge with focused anesthesia technician test questions and review of detailed explanations.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding Anesthesia Machine Components -

    Review the function and layout of flowmeters, vaporizers, regulators, and breathing circuits on the anesthesia machine. Familiarity with the oxygen flush valve and reservoir bag compliance boosts your confidence when tackling anesthesia technician exam questions on machine troubleshooting. Refer to ASA checkout guidelines to ensure you can identify each component during your certification prep.

  2. Applying Boyle's and Dalton's Gas Laws -

    Boyle's law (PV=constant) explains how gas volume decreases as pressure rises, crucial when adjusting circuit pressures. Dalton's law states that total pressure equals the sum of partial pressures, helping you calculate inspired oxygen fractions. Use the mnemonic "PV and Partial Vs" to remember these laws for anesthesia technician test questions.

  3. Anesthetic Agent Properties and MAC Values -

    Memorize key agents like sevoflurane (MAC ~2%) and isoflurane (MAC ~1.15%) to answer sample anesthesia technician exam prep questions on potency. Understand blood-gas solubility coefficients to predict induction and emergence times. Practice dosage calculations by multiplying MAC by patient age factors for a quick estimation method.

  4. Interpreting Monitoring Devices and Alarms -

    Master capnography waveform shapes - square waves indicate leaks or obstruction and a sharp upstroke suggests proper alveolar emptying. Pulse oximetry accuracy can be affected by motion or poor perfusion, so know common artifact patterns. Being able to troubleshoot alarms quickly is a must for any free anesthesia technician practice quiz or real-world scenario.

  5. Sterilization Protocols and Equipment Safety -

    Learn autoclave parameters (121°C at 15 psi for 15 - 20 minutes) and color change indicators for reliable sterilization. Understand chemical sterilant use, such as glutaraldehyde immersion and high-level disinfectants per AAMI standards. This knowledge ensures you can answer anesthesia technician exam questions on infection control with confidence.

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