CBET Healthcare Technology Problem-Solving 5

Question 1

A blood pressure monitor in a cardiac unit consistently reads 15 mmHg higher than a mercury manometer during simultaneous measurements. What is the most appropriate corrective action?

Accepted Answer

Calibrate the pressure transducer against a NIST-traceable reference

Answer

Replace the cuff with a larger size

Answer

Adjust the alarm thresholds to compensate

Answer

Switch the unit to manual mode only

Question 2

A hemodialysis machine's conductivity alarm activates at the start of each treatment session but clears after two minutes. What is the most likely root cause?

Accepted Answer

Air bubbles trapped in the conductivity cell during priming

Answer

Failing conductivity sensor

Answer

Incorrect concentrate ratio programming

Answer

High bicarbonate concentrate temperature

Question 3

A nurse reports that a syringe pump motor runs but no fluid is delivered. The syringe is correctly seated. What should the BMET check first?

Accepted Answer

Drive spindle engagement and syringe plunger clamp mechanism

Answer

Motor encoder feedback

Answer

Battery condition

Answer

Firmware revision

Question 4

During testing, an anesthesia machine's low-oxygen alarm fails to activate when the O2 concentration drops to 18%. What component is most likely at fault?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen cell (galvanic fuel cell) sensor

Answer

Flowmeter needle valve

Answer

Vaporizer interlock mechanism

Answer

APL valve calibration

Question 5

A portable X-ray unit's exposure terminates prematurely and mAs delivered is less than selected. The kVp is correct. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Failing mAs timer or AEC sensor terminating exposure early

Answer

High line voltage fluctuation

Answer

Defective collimator blades

Answer

Incorrect grid ratio selection

Question 6

An automated external defibrillator (AED) fails its daily self-test and indicates a low-battery condition despite a battery installed last week. What should the BMET do first?

Accepted Answer

Verify the battery installation orientation and check the contact terminals for corrosion

Answer

Replace the AED immediately

Answer

Perform a manual shock delivery test

Answer

Update the AED firmware

Question 7

A clinical staff member reports that a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump delivered a lockout dose immediately after a patient-requested dose, violating the lockout interval. What is the most critical first action?

Accepted Answer

Remove the pump from service and file a medical device adverse event report

Answer

Recalibrate the lockout timer and return to service

Answer

Replace the software module and resume use

Answer

Increase the lockout interval setting as a workaround