Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

What symptoms might a patient exhibit if the scrubber is exhausted?

1. Feel cold and lethargic

2. Feel dizzy and lightheaded

3. Feel warm, breathe deeper and faster

4. Experience shortness of breath

The correct answer is: Feel warm, breathe deeper and faster

When a scrubber is exhausted, it means that it is no longer effectively removing carbon dioxide (CO2) or other unwanted gases from the environment. In such cases, the patient may exhibit symptoms associated with the accumulation of CO2. The body responds to increased levels of CO2 by attempting to expel it, which can manifest as an increase in respiratory rate and depth — this is known as hyperventilation. The sensation of feeling warm may be related to the body's metabolic changes and increased respiratory effort. Breathing deeper and faster is a physiological attempt to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the bloodstream, thereby stabilizing the acid-base balance in the body. In contrast, feeling cold and lethargic or dizzy and lightheaded are not directly linked to the exhaustion of a scrubber but could suggest other underlying issues. Shortness of breath, while it can be encountered in various respiratory distress scenarios, would also not be the primary response to scrubber exhaustion compared to the more direct respiratory adjustment of increased rate and depth of breathing.