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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

ANES 4001: Anesthesia Workstations

Students explore current practices in the preparation, operation, and troubleshooting of anesthesia delivery workstations. Topics include the structure, function, and operating principles of workstation components as well as information on anesthetic pollution, equipment hazards, and checks and maintenance procedures for anesthesia workstations. Students analyze the uses of airway and adjunct equipment.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Compare various anesthesia machines and workstations, evaluating how they are used, and analyzing trends in their development.
  • Evaluate the functions, hazards, and applications of vaporizers.
  • Examine various anesthesia machine breathing systems, outlining their principles, components, classifications, structures and functions.
  • Analyze the modes of ventilation and variables seen on anesthesia ventilators.
  • Describe the effects and hazards of trace gas levels and evaluate measures to control and monitor these levels.
  • Perform a machine checkout and explain the rationale for each step.
  • Analyze the uses and evolution airway management equipment.
  • Analyze the uses and evolution of auxiliary equipment.

Course topics

  • Module 1: The Anesthesia Workstation
  • Module 2: Functions, Hazards, and Servicing of Vaporizers
  • Module 3: Principles, Components, and Classifications of Anesthesia Breathing Systems
  • Module 4: Circle Absorption System
  • Module 5: Controlling Trace Gas Levels
  • Module 6: Anesthesia Ventilators
  • Module 7: Hazards Associated With Anesthesia Machines and Breathing Systems
  • Module 8: Gas Monitoring During Anesthesia
  • Module 9: Anesthesia Workstation Checkout and Preventative Maintenance

Required text and materials

Students will receive the following:

  1. Ehrenwerth, J., Eisenkraft, J. B., & Berry, J. M. (2021). Anesthesia Equipment: Principles and applications (3rd ed.), Elsevier Saunders.
    Type: Textbook ISBN: 978-0-323-67279-5.

Additional requirements

ANES 4001 uses online simulations. Students are required to use either Firefox for (PC and Mac) or Internet Explorer 11 (for PC) to use the simulation. In addition, the Adobe Shockwave player plug-in is also required in order for the browser to work with the simulation. To download the Shockwave plug-in, please go to (https://get.adobe.com/shockwave/).

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the final mandatory examination and 50% or higher on the overall course.

Students applying this course towards any TRU Health Care program may be required to obtain a minimum 60% on the course overall to meet program requirements.

Assignment 1: Hypoxic Gas Mixtures 10%
Quiz: Trace Gas Analysis 5%
Midterm Exam 20%
Assignment 2: Machine Research 10%
Assignment 3: Machine Checkout Presentation 15%
Final Examination (mandatory) 40%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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