CBET Patient Monitoring Systems 5

Question 1

A BMET is troubleshooting a ventilator patient monitor that shows erratic tidal volume readings. The flow sensor passes bench testing. What is the NEXT most logical step?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the flow sensor for moisture condensation or secretion buildup in-line

Answer

Moisture and secretion buildup inside inline flow sensors is a common cause of erratic volume readings in ventilated patients.

Question 2

What does a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz) measure when the balloon is inflated and wedged?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), reflecting left heart filling pressure

Answer

When wedged, the inflated balloon occludes forward flow, allowing the distal port to sense pressure that reflects left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

Question 3

A patient monitor's non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) module consistently reads 20 mmHg higher than manual auscultation. Which factor is MOST likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Cuff is undersized relative to the patient's arm circumference

Answer

An undersized cuff over-compresses peripheral tissue, requiring greater cuff pressure to occlude the artery and producing falsely elevated readings.

Question 4

When zeroing an invasive pressure transducer, the transducer stopcock must be positioned at the phlebostatic axis. Where is this anatomical landmark?

Accepted Answer

Level of the right atrium, at the 4th intercostal space mid-axillary line

Answer

The phlebostatic axis represents the right atrium level (4th ICS, mid-axillary line) and is the standard external reference for cardiac pressure monitoring.

Question 5

A BMET is setting up a new ECG monitor and must select the correct filter mode. When would you use 'diagnostic mode' rather than 'monitoring mode'?

Accepted Answer

When accurate ST-segment morphology analysis is required

Answer

Diagnostic mode uses a wider bandwidth (0.05–150 Hz) to preserve ST-segment morphology, while monitoring mode applies filters that can distort the ST segment.

CBET - Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician Practice Test

CBET - Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician Practice Test

CBET Patient Monitoring Systems 5