Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards

What is the purpose of the anti-tip wheels on a standard wheelchair?

Answer: To prevent the chair from tipping backward

Anti-tip wheels extend from the rear of the wheelchair to prevent it from tipping over backward.

Before using a pulse oximeter, the healthcare aide notices the probe sensor light is not coming on. The BEST first action is to:

Answer: Check the battery and replace if needed

A dead or low battery is the most common reason a pulse oximeter probe fails to light up.

A patient's nasogastric (NG) tube feeding pump is beeping with an 'air in line' alarm. The aide should:

Answer: Notify the nurse immediately and not attempt to clear the alarm alone

Air-in-line alarms on feeding pumps require nursing assessment; aides should not troubleshoot feeding tube equipment independently.

Which disinfectant is typically recommended for cleaning reusable blood pressure cuffs between patients?

Answer: 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes

70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are the standard EPA-approved disinfectant for non-critical items like blood pressure cuffs.

A suction machine is running but not creating adequate suction. After checking the power, the aide should next check:

Answer: All tubing connections and the collection canister lid for leaks

Loose tubing or an improperly sealed canister lid are common causes of suction loss and should be checked second.

When transporting a patient in a wheelchair down a ramp, the aide should:

Answer: Turn the chair backward so the aide descends first

Going down a ramp backward keeps the patient's weight distributed safely and gives the aide control of the descent.

Which of the following indicates a CPAP machine needs immediate maintenance?

Answer: The mask releases a loud air leak and the patient reports poor sleep

A significant mask air leak compromises therapy effectiveness and patient comfort and requires immediate mask adjustment or replacement.