The O2 pressure sensor shutdown valve requires what O2 pressure to remain open and allow N2O to flow into the N2O rotameter?

The O2 pressure sensor shutdown valve requires what O2 pressure to remain open and allow N2O to flow into the N2O rotameter?

• A. 10 psi
• B. 25 psi
• C. 50 psi
• D. 100 psi

Answer: (B)

Oxygen safety interlocks on anesthesia machines are designed so that nitrous oxide can flow only if the O2 line is pressurized high enough to be safe. The O2 pressure sensor shutdown valve stays open to allow N2O to reach the N2O rotameter only when the O2 pressure is at least about 25 psi. This threshold prevents N2O from flowing if the O2 supply is insufficient, protecting the patient from a hypoxic gas mixture. Pipeline O2 is typically around 50 psi, but the valve’s opening requirement is the 25 psi mark. The other pressures listed are not the gating threshold for this interlock.

Oxygen safety interlocks on anesthesia machines are designed so that nitrous oxide can flow only if the O2 line is pressurized high enough to be safe. The O2 pressure sensor shutdown valve stays open to allow N2O to reach the N2O rotameter only when the O2 pressure is at least about 25 psi. This threshold prevents N2O from flowing if the O2 supply is insufficient, protecting the patient from a hypoxic gas mixture. Pipeline O2 is typically around 50 psi, but the valve’s opening requirement is the 25 psi mark. The other pressures listed are not the gating threshold for this interlock.