CABT Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Inspect and clean the air-detection ultrasonic sensor window

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Discharging the capacitor using the appropriate discharge resistor

Answer

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

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical binding or worn drive mechanism in the bed frame

Answer

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

(CABT) Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology Practice Test

(CABT) Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology Practice Test

CABT Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting 5