HAC Equipment Operation & Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the anti-tip wheels on a standard wheelchair?
- To prevent the chair from tipping backward (Correct answer)
- To help the chair navigate curbs
- To lock the wheelchair in place on slopes
- To reduce rolling resistance on carpet
Correct 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.
Question 2: Before using a pulse oximeter, the healthcare aide notices the probe sensor light is not coming on. The BEST first action is to:
- Check the battery and replace if needed (Correct answer)
- Apply the probe to the patient anyway
- Wipe the probe with alcohol and retry immediately
- Order a new device
Correct 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.
Question 3: A patient's nasogastric (NG) tube feeding pump is beeping with an 'air in line' alarm. The aide should:
- Notify the nurse immediately and not attempt to clear the alarm alone (Correct answer)
- Tap the tubing to dislodge the air bubble
- Increase the flow rate to push the air through
- Stop the feeding and remove the tube
Correct 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.
Question 4: Which disinfectant is typically recommended for cleaning reusable blood pressure cuffs between patients?
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes (Correct answer)
- Bleach solution at full concentration
- Soap and running water only
- Hydrogen peroxide spray
Correct answer: 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are the standard EPA-approved disinfectant for non-critical items like blood pressure cuffs.
Question 5: A suction machine is running but not creating adequate suction. After checking the power, the aide should next check:
- All tubing connections and the collection canister lid for leaks (Correct answer)
- The patient's airway for obstruction
- The filter on the oxygen concentrator nearby
- Whether the machine is on the correct voltage setting
Correct 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.
Question 6: When transporting a patient in a wheelchair down a ramp, the aide should:
- Turn the chair backward so the aide descends first (Correct answer)
- Go forward down the ramp at a controlled pace
- Ask the patient to lean forward for balance
- Lock the wheels and slide the chair down slowly
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following indicates a CPAP machine needs immediate maintenance?
- The mask releases a loud air leak and the patient reports poor sleep (Correct answer)
- The humidifier chamber is half full of water
- The device display shows the hours-of-use counter
- The filter appears slightly gray after one week of use
Correct 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.
HAC Equipment Operation & Maintenance 3
What is the purpose of the anti-tip wheels on a standard wheelchair?