When a heated wire breathing circuit is used in conjunction with a heated humidifier, how often in the course of 24 hours should the therapist expect to drain condensate from the tubing?

A. more than 5 times per day
B. 5 times per day
C. once or twice per day
D. not at all

?ANS: D
A. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
D. Correct response: When properly set, a heated wire circuit operating in conjunction with a heated humidifier should render little condensate. If the humidifier is set properly, only a fog should be visualized in the circuit, and no need to drain condensate should exist.