CABT Medical Equipment Operations Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient connected to a mechanical ventilator triggers a persistent 'High Pressure' alarm.
The patient is not coughing, and the tubing is free of kinks and water.
What is the MOST likely operational issue or patient condition causing this alarm?

Accepted Answer

An increase in airway resistance due to bronchospasm or a mucus plug.

Answer

A partial disconnection of the ventilator circuit from the patient's endotracheal tube.

Answer

A significant leak in the endotracheal tube cuff.

Answer

The patient's respiratory drive has ceased, leading to apnea.

Question 2

When comparing biphasic and monophasic defibrillators, which of the following is a key operational advantage of biphasic technology?

Accepted Answer

They require significantly less energy to achieve the same or higher efficacy, reducing potential cardiac damage.

Answer

Biphasic defibrillators always deliver a higher maximum energy shock (e.g., 360 Joules).

Answer

Biphasic waveforms are less effective but have a longer battery life.

Answer

Monophasic technology is newer and provides more detailed post-shock ECG analysis.

Question 3

A technician is preparing an autoclave for a standard sterilization cycle for wrapped surgical instruments. Which combination of temperature, pressure, and time is a widely recognized minimum for effective steam sterilization in a gravity displacement sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 30 minutes

Answer

100°C (212°F) at 0 psi for 60 minutes

Answer

134°C (273°F) at 30 psi for 4 minutes

Answer

110°C (230°F) at 10 psi for 45 minutes

Question 4

A pulse oximeter provides an SpO2 reading by measuring the differential absorption of two wavelengths of light. Which operational principle allows the device to distinguish between arterial and venous blood?

Accepted Answer

The device only analyzes the pulsatile component of the light absorption, which corresponds to arterial blood flow.

Answer

It measures the static (non-changing) absorption from all tissues and subtracts a baseline value.

Answer

It uses a third wavelength of light to specifically isolate and cancel out the signal from venous blood.

Answer

The probe heats the tissue, which temporarily increases arterial flow for a more accurate measurement.

Question 5

During a surgical procedure using a monopolar electrosurgical unit (ESU), the active electrode delivers the cutting current. What is the essential function of the large patient return electrode (dispersive pad)?

Accepted Answer

To provide a low-resistance path for the electrical current to safely exit the body and return to the generator.

Answer

To cool the patient's skin directly under the active electrode.

Answer

To monitor the patient's heart rate and rhythm during the procedure.

Answer

To deliver a secondary, lower-power coagulating current.

Question 6

Which of the following describes a 'free-flow' condition in a large-volume infusion pump?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled gravity-fed flow of fluid to the patient after the administration set is removed from the pump's control mechanism.

Answer

The pump accurately delivers the programmed volume but at a slightly slower rate.

Answer

The pump screen freezes, but the infusion stops as a safety precaution.

Answer

The pump alarms for an upstream occlusion between the IV bag and the pump.

A patient connected to a mechanical ventilator triggers a persistent 'High Pressure' alarm.The patient is not coughing, and the tubing is free of kinks and water.What is the MOST likely operational issue or patient condition causing this alarm?

A patient connected to a mechanical ventilator triggers a persistent 'High Pressure' alarm.
The patient is not coughing, and the tubing is free of kinks and water.
What is the MOST likely operational issue or patient condition causing this alarm?