Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting Flashcards

A point-of-care blood glucose meter gives 'ERR' codes when test strips from a new lot are used. The MOST likely cause is:

Answer: Lot-specific calibration code has not been entered into the meter

Most POC glucose meters require entry of a lot-specific calibration code or chip to align the meter's algorithm with the new strip lot.

When troubleshooting an IV infusion pump that is alarming 'air-in-line' continuously with a bubble-free line, the technician should:

Answer: Inspect and clean the air-detection ultrasonic sensor window

False air-in-line alarms are frequently caused by protein or fluid residue on the ultrasonic sensor window, which simulates an air bubble.

A patient monitor's SpO2 waveform (plethysmograph) is present but the numeric value reads dashes. This most likely indicates:

Answer: Signal detected but perfusion index is too low for reliable numeric calculation

When a waveform is visible but no numeric SpO2 is displayed, the signal quality or perfusion index is insufficient for the algorithm to calculate a reliable value.

Which action is required before performing internal maintenance on a high-voltage component such as a defibrillator capacitor?

Answer: Discharging the capacitor using the appropriate discharge resistor

Defibrillator capacitors can hold lethal charges even after AC power is removed; they must be safely discharged through a proper discharge resistor before handling.

A nurse reports that an electric hospital bed moves very slowly when raising the head section. The biomedical technician checks voltage at the motor and finds it within spec. What should be investigated next?

Answer: Mechanical binding or worn drive mechanism in the bed frame

If electrical supply to the motor is correct, slow movement points to a mechanical issue such as friction, binding, or a worn actuator/gearbox.

During acceptance testing of a new infusion pump, the biomedical technician discovers the device does not appear on the hospital's equipment management inventory. The correct next step is:

Answer: Add the device to the inventory with a unique asset tag before placing it in service

All medical devices must be added to the equipment management inventory with a unique identifier before being placed into clinical service to ensure tracking, PM scheduling, and recall management.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit produces a burning sensation for the patient during use. After ruling out technique error, the technician should:

Answer: Test output waveform and current amplitude against manufacturer specifications

A burning sensation may indicate output parameters outside of specifications; testing the actual output waveform and amplitude against manufacturer specs is the proper diagnostic step.