BTC Clinical Procedures & Protocols 3

Question 1

A surgical electrosurgical unit (ESU) is producing unintended burns at the patient return electrode site. What is the most likely protocol failure?

Accepted Answer

Poor contact or placement of the dispersive (return) electrode

Answer

Inadequate contact of the dispersive electrode concentrates current at the return pad site, causing burns due to high current density.

Question 2

When leak current testing a Class I medical device, the maximum allowable patient lead leakage current under normal conditions is:

Accepted Answer

10 µA

Answer

ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 limits patient lead (applied part) leakage to 10 µA under normal conditions for Type CF equipment.

Question 3

Which action is required before connecting a newly received medical device to a patient for the first time in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Receive incoming inspection and safety testing

Answer

Incoming inspection and electrical safety testing are required before a device enters clinical service to ensure it meets safety standards.

Question 4

A nurse reports that a pulse oximeter probe causes skin irritation after prolonged use. The biomedical technician should:

Accepted Answer

Inspect the probe for cracks and test current output compliance

Answer

Skin irritation can result from a cracked probe causing excessive light or current leakage; inspection and electrical testing identify the root cause.

Question 5

In the context of biomedical equipment maintenance, what does the acronym 'MSDS' (now called SDS) relate to?

Accepted Answer

Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals used in cleaning/disinfection

Answer

SDS (formerly MSDS) provides information on hazardous chemicals including disinfectants and cleaning agents used in device maintenance.

(BTC) Biomedical Technician Certification Practice Test

(BTC) Biomedical Technician Certification Practice Test

BTC Clinical Procedures & Protocols 3