Healthcare Technology Problem-Solving Flashcards

A surgeon reports that the electrosurgical unit (ESU) is not cutting effectively despite being set to the usual power level. The return electrode pad is properly applied. What should you check?

Answer: The active electrode tip for damage, carbon buildup, or improper connection

Reduced ESU cutting effectiveness typically indicates carbon buildup on the electrode tip, a damaged tip, or a poor connection.

A laboratory centrifuge is producing excessive vibration during operation. What is the most likely cause and what safety risk does this present?

Answer: Imbalanced sample loading or worn rotor bearings, which risks rotor failure and projectile release

Excessive vibration results from imbalanced samples or worn bearings, creating a serious risk of catastrophic rotor failure.

A syringe pump alarm indicates 'occlusion' repeatedly, but the IV line appears patent and free of kinks. What should be investigated?

Answer: The syringe barrel may be binding, the plunger driver mechanism may be worn, or a downstream stopcock may be partially closed

False occlusion alarms suggest excessive mechanical resistance from a binding plunger, worn mechanism, or partially closed stopcock.

After a power outage, several patient monitors fail to automatically reconnect to the central monitoring station. The network infrastructure has been verified as operational. What is the most likely issue?

Answer: The monitors lost their network configuration during the power interruption and need IP settings restored or DHCP leases renewed

After a power outage, monitors may fail to reconnect due to DHCP lease expiration or boot sequence timing issues.

A patient reports receiving a mild tingling sensation when touching the bed rail while connected to a patient monitor. No alarm has triggered. What is the appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Immediately disconnect the patient from the monitor, remove the device from service, and perform electrical safety testing

A tingling sensation indicates stray electrical current flowing through the patient, which is a potentially dangerous leakage current situation.

A blood gas analyzer is producing results that fail quality control. The QC material is within its expiration date and has been stored properly. What systematic troubleshooting approach should be taken?

Answer: Try a new QC lot, recalibrate the analyzer, check reagents and electrode condition, and contact manufacturer support if needed

Systematic troubleshooting involves trying a new QC lot, performing calibration, checking reagents, and inspecting electrode condition.