The function of the exhalation valve in the external circuit is to do which of the following?
A) Deflate during inspiration to allow the gas to go to the patient
B) Inflate during inspiration to prevent leaks in the inspiratory circuit
C) Inflate during inspiration to divert gas coming from the ventilator into the patient
D) Inflate during expiration to allow the patient to exhale through the expiratory line

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With an external circuit,gas flows both through the main inspiratory line to the patient and through the expiratory valve line during inspiration.This line inflates a balloon or puts pressure on a diaphragm,closing a hole.The hole in the exhalation valve is where the patient's exhaled gases normally vent into the room.During inspiration,the hole is covered by the balloon or diaphragm.During exhalation,no gas goes through the main inspiratory line or the expiratory valve line.The balloon deflates,and the patient's exhaled volume passes through the open hole.

The Function of the Exhalation Valve in the External Circuit