BTC Troubleshooting & Repair 2

Question 1

A patient monitor displays a 'low battery' alarm even when plugged into AC power. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Depleted battery that cannot hold charge

Answer

A battery that can no longer hold a charge will trigger low-battery alarms even on AC power because it fails to charge above the alarm threshold.

Question 2

During a defibrillator self-test, the device fails to deliver the set energy level. Which component should be inspected first?

Accepted Answer

Capacitor and charging circuit

Answer

The capacitor and charging circuit are responsible for storing and delivering the programmed energy; failure here directly causes under-delivery.

Question 3

An infusion pump produces a 'downstream occlusion' alarm but the IV line appears clear. What should the technician check next?

Accepted Answer

Pressure sensor calibration

Answer

A miscalibrated pressure sensor can falsely detect occlusion even when the line is patent.

Question 4

An electrosurgical unit (ESU) produces no output when activated. After confirming the power supply is good, what is the next logical step?

Accepted Answer

Test the RF output stage and power transistors

Answer

The RF output stage and power transistors generate the high-frequency energy; a fault here results in no output despite normal power supply.

Question 5

A ventilator's tidal volume reading is consistently 20% lower than the set value. What is the most probable cause?

Accepted Answer

Flow sensor fouling or miscalibration

Answer

A contaminated or miscalibrated flow sensor will underreport delivered volume, creating a consistent discrepancy.

(BTC) Biomedical Technician Certification Practice Test