BTC Medical Equipment Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient monitor alarm is not activating at the set threshold. After ruling out software settings, what is the next likely cause to investigate?
- Network connectivity issues
- Sensor or transducer calibration drift (Correct answer)
- Monitor display brightness setting
- Battery backup capacity
Correct answer: Sensor or transducer calibration drift
Calibration drift in sensors or transducers can cause measured values to deviate from true physiological values, preventing alarm activation.
Question 2: Which document should a biomedical technician consult FIRST when servicing unfamiliar medical equipment?
- Joint Commission accreditation standards
- The manufacturer's service manual (Correct answer)
- The hospital's equipment policy
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
Correct answer: The manufacturer's service manual
The manufacturer's service manual contains device-specific procedures, tolerances, and safety warnings essential for safe and accurate maintenance.
Question 3: An electrosurgical unit (ESU) is producing inconsistent cutting power. Which component is MOST likely to cause this issue?
- The return electrode cable
- The foot pedal switch
- The RF output power supply or its regulating circuit (Correct answer)
- The front-panel display
Correct answer: The RF output power supply or its regulating circuit
Inconsistent cutting power typically points to a fault in the RF generator's power supply or regulation circuitry that controls output.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) in a biomedical department?
- Ordering replacement parts automatically
- Tracking equipment inventory, PM schedules, and work orders (Correct answer)
- Calibrating test equipment remotely
- Generating FDA 510(k) submissions
Correct answer: Tracking equipment inventory, PM schedules, and work orders
A CMMS centralizes equipment records, PM schedules, work order history, and compliance documentation for the biomedical department.
Question 5: During PM on a pulse oximeter, the SpO2 reading at a simulated 98% saturation shows 94%. The BEST next step is to:
- Return the device to service and flag for monitoring
- Check and clean the probe, then retest before recalibrating (Correct answer)
- Replace the device immediately
- Test with a different simulator to confirm the reading
Correct answer: Check and clean the probe, then retest before recalibrating
A dirty or damaged probe is a common cause of inaccurate SpO2 readings; cleaning and retesting is the appropriate first step.
Question 6: What is the recommended action when a medical device is found to have an open recall from the FDA?
- Continue using the device until replacement parts arrive
- Quarantine the device and notify clinical staff and administration (Correct answer)
- Return the device to the manufacturer without documentation
- Apply a temporary warning label and continue use
Correct answer: Quarantine the device and notify clinical staff and administration
Open FDA recalls require immediate quarantine of affected devices and notification to clinical leadership to prevent patient harm.
Question 7: A centrifuge shows excessive vibration during operation. Which maintenance action addresses the MOST common cause?
- Replacing the motor brushes
- Lubricating the rotor shaft bearings
- Re-balancing or replacing the rotor and checking for load imbalance (Correct answer)
- Replacing the power supply capacitors
Correct answer: Re-balancing or replacing the rotor and checking for load imbalance
Excessive vibration in centrifuges is most commonly caused by unbalanced loads or a damaged rotor; checking balance and rotor integrity is the primary corrective step.
BTC Medical Equipment Maintenance 3
A patient monitor alarm is not activating at the set threshold.
After ruling out software settings, what is the next likely cause to investigate?