HAC Equipment Operation & Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When storing a manual wheelchair, which action best protects the equipment?
- Fold it and store upright against a wall (Correct answer)
- Leave it open in a hallway for quick access
- Hang it by the armrests from a hook
- Store it outdoors under a cover
Correct answer: Fold it and store upright against a wall
Folding and storing the wheelchair upright prevents damage to the frame and keeps walkways clear.
Question 2: A Hoyer lift sling shows a small tear along a seam. What is the correct action?
- Remove it from service immediately and tag it out (Correct answer)
- Reinforce the tear with tape and continue use
- Use it only for lighter patients
- Report it at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Remove it from service immediately and tag it out
Any damage to a sling compromises patient safety and requires immediate removal from service.
Question 3: Which step must be completed BEFORE cleaning a blood pressure cuff?
- Remove the cuff from the patient and deflate it fully (Correct answer)
- Turn on the sphygmomanometer
- Wrap the cuff tightly around a mannequin arm
- Inflate the cuff to 200 mmHg
Correct answer: Remove the cuff from the patient and deflate it fully
The cuff must be removed and fully deflated before cleaning to prevent damage and ensure proper disinfection.
Question 4: An IV infusion pump alarm reads 'occlusion downstream.' What does this indicate?
- A blockage exists between the pump and the patient (Correct answer)
- The IV bag is empty
- The pump battery is low
- The drip rate is set too high
Correct answer: A blockage exists between the pump and the patient
A downstream occlusion alarm means something is blocking flow between the pump and the IV insertion site.
Question 5: How often should the water in a humidifier attached to an oxygen concentrator be changed?
- Daily, using sterile or distilled water (Correct answer)
- Weekly, using tap water
- Monthly, using filtered water
- Only when it appears dirty
Correct answer: Daily, using sterile or distilled water
Daily water changes with sterile or distilled water prevent bacterial growth in the humidifier.
Question 6: A patient's hospital bed won't lower using the electric controls. What should the aide do first?
- Check that the bed is plugged in and the control cable is connected (Correct answer)
- Manually push the bed frame down
- Call maintenance and leave the bed in the raised position
- Remove the mattress to reduce weight
Correct answer: Check that the bed is plugged in and the control cable is connected
Checking the power connection is the first troubleshooting step before escalating the issue.
Question 7: Which PPE is required when cleaning a commode chair after use?
- Gloves and a mask or face shield (Correct answer)
- Gloves only
- Gown only
- No PPE is needed since commodes are not sterile equipment
Correct answer: Gloves and a mask or face shield
Gloves and mask or face shield protect against contact and splash exposure to bodily fluids during commode cleaning.
HAC Equipment Operation & Maintenance 2
When storing a manual wheelchair, which action best protects the equipment?