MS Equipment Operation & Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a portable ECG machine displays a 'lead off' alert, what is the most likely cause?
- Low battery power
- Electrode detachment or poor skin contact (Correct answer)
- Internal software error
- Paper jam in the printer
Correct answer: Electrode detachment or poor skin contact
A 'lead off' alert typically indicates that one or more electrodes have become detached or have poor contact with the patient's skin.
Question 2: Which cleaning agent is generally recommended for disinfecting reusable blood pressure cuffs?
- Bleach solution at full concentration
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes (Correct answer)
- Soap and hot water immersion
- Hydrogen peroxide spray
Correct answer: 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are commonly recommended for disinfecting blood pressure cuffs as they are effective against pathogens and safe for the material.
Question 3: A pulse oximeter is giving inconsistent readings on a patient with cold extremities. What is the best corrective action?
- Replace the device immediately
- Warm the patient's extremity before re-testing (Correct answer)
- Document the inconsistent reading and move on
- Increase the probe's sensitivity setting
Correct answer: Warm the patient's extremity before re-testing
Poor peripheral perfusion from cold extremities reduces blood flow to the finger, causing unreliable readings; warming the site improves circulation.
Question 4: What does the term 'preventive maintenance' mean in a clinical equipment context?
- Repairing equipment only after it breaks down
- Scheduled inspections and servicing to prevent failures (Correct answer)
- Purchasing new equipment before old equipment fails
- Logging equipment use in the EHR
Correct answer: Scheduled inspections and servicing to prevent failures
Preventive maintenance refers to regularly scheduled inspections, calibrations, and servicing designed to prevent equipment failures before they occur.
Question 5: A medical scribe notices the dictation headset has crackling audio. What should the scribe do first?
- Continue using the headset and compensate by guessing
- Check and reseat cable connections before reporting to IT (Correct answer)
- Replace the headset without notifying anyone
- Increase the microphone volume to maximum
Correct answer: Check and reseat cable connections before reporting to IT
Checking cable connections is a simple first troubleshooting step; if the issue persists, it should be reported to IT or biomedical engineering.
Question 6: Which label should be placed on medical equipment that has failed inspection and cannot be used?
- 'Biohazard' label
- 'Out of Service' tag (Correct answer)
- 'Priority Use' sticker
- 'Calibrated' seal
Correct answer: 'Out of Service' tag
An 'Out of Service' tag is the standard label used to clearly indicate that equipment has failed inspection and must not be used until repaired.
Question 7: How often should automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in a clinic typically be inspected?
- Only when an emergency occurs
- Daily or per manufacturer and facility policy (Correct answer)
- Once per year during accreditation
- Every five years
Correct answer: Daily or per manufacturer and facility policy
AEDs should be inspected daily or per manufacturer/facility policy to ensure the device, pads, and battery are ready for immediate emergency use.
MS Equipment Operation & Maintenance 2
When a portable ECG machine displays a 'lead off' alert, what is the most likely cause?