A size E oxygen cylinder attached to a portable anaesthesia machine shows a gauge pressure of 13,700 kPa. Approximately what volume of oxygen does this cylinder contain when full?
- A 2200 litres
- B 1360 litres
- C 680 litres ✓
- D 340 litres
Correct answer: C. 680 litres
Explanation
D full size E oxygen cylinder holds about 680 litres of gaseous oxygen at a gauge pressure of roughly 13,700 kPa (137 bar). Because oxygen is stored as a compressed gas, not a liquid, the gauge pressure falls proportionally as gas is consumed, allowing cylinder contents to be estimated from pressure. The distractor 340 litres corresponds to a smaller cylinder such as size A, while 1360 litres approximates the larger size F cylinder.
Reference: Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.