Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

To prevent cross-contamination in a respirometer used in an ICU, what is the best practice?

1. Use a reusable filter

2. Use a disposable HEPA filter and one-way valve for each patient

3. Clean with alcohol between patients

4. Limit use to a single patent only

The correct answer is: Use a disposable HEPA filter and one-way valve for each patient

Using a disposable HEPA filter and one-way valve for each patient is considered the best practice for preventing cross-contamination in a respirometer utilized in an ICU setting. This approach effectively eliminates the risk of aerosolized pathogens being transmitted between patients, which is crucial in a critical care environment where patients may have weakened immune systems or be vulnerable to infections. The disposable nature of the HEPA filter ensures that it is used only once for a single patient, thus providing a sterile barrier that captures airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. The one-way valve complements this by preventing any backflow of exhaled air, further safeguarding against cross-contamination. It is particularly important in an ICU setting, where the risk of nosocomial infections is heightened. While using a reusable filter or cleaning with alcohol may seem like viable options, they do not provide the same level of assurance against pathogens. Reusable filters can harbor contaminants despite cleaning, and manual cleaning procedures can be inconsistent or incomplete. Limiting the use of the respirometer to a single patient might be practical, but it does not always consider the need for equipment to be available for multiple patients in a busy ICU, where every piece of equipment must be efficiently utilized while maintaining safety protocols.