ASHE Medical Equipment & Infrastructure Maintenance 3

Question 1

Which maintenance strategy uses real-time sensor data and condition indicators to determine when to service equipment rather than following a fixed schedule?

Accepted Answer

Predictive maintenance

Answer

Predictive maintenance uses condition-monitoring data (vibration, temperature, performance trends) to predict impending failure and schedule service at the optimal time.

Question 2

A hospital steam sterilizer (autoclave) fails its Bowie-Dick test on Monday morning. What is the immediate correct response?

Accepted Answer

Take the sterilizer out of service and notify sterile processing management

Answer

A failed Bowie-Dick test indicates air removal or steam penetration failure; the sterilizer must be removed from service immediately until the cause is identified and corrected.

Question 3

Under NFPA 99, which type of medical gas outlet requires a minimum of two turns to open and a specific tool or key to prevent accidental activation?

Accepted Answer

Quick-connect station outlets in patient care areas

Answer

Quick-connect outlets in patient care areas must be designed with safety features to prevent accidental gas release, but NFPA 99 requires that manual zone valves can be shut off without tools — the question highlights the design intent to prevent accidental actuation at the point of use.

Question 4

A preventive maintenance program uses an Equipment Risk Score (ERS) to prioritize devices. Which factor is NOT typically included in calculating ERS?

Accepted Answer

Device acquisition cost

Answer

Standard ERS models (e.g., Fennigkoh-Smith) use function, physical risk, and maintenance requirements — acquisition cost is a financial metric unrelated to clinical risk scoring.

Question 5

Which organization requires healthcare facilities to maintain a written Utility Systems Management Plan that includes medical equipment?

Accepted Answer

The Joint Commission (TJC)

Answer

The Joint Commission's Environment of Care (EC) standards require a comprehensive Utility Systems Management Plan covering critical utilities and medical equipment.

(ASHE) American Society for Health Care Engineering Certified Practice Test

(ASHE) American Society for Health Care Engineering Certified Practice Test

ASHE Medical Equipment & Infrastructure Maintenance 3