CBET Surgical Equipment Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a surgical tourniquet system and what safety features must be verified?
- To measure blood pressure during surgery
- To restrict blood flow to a limb by applying controlled pressure, with pressure and time monitoring for safety (Correct answer)
- To warm the patient
- To deliver anesthetic agents
Correct answer: To restrict blood flow to a limb by applying controlled pressure, with pressure and time monitoring for safety
Surgical tourniquets restrict blood flow using pneumatic cuffs, with critical safety features including accurate pressure regulation and time monitoring.
PM includes pressure accuracy calibration, leak testing (pressurize and monitor drift over 5 minutes), timer accuracy verification, and alarm function testing.
Question 2: How does a surgical smoke evacuator work and why is it important in the operating room?
- It purifies general air conditioning
- It captures and filters surgical plume to protect staff from hazardous airborne particles and chemicals (Correct answer)
- It removes anesthetic gases from breathing circuit
- It ventilates the sterile field
Correct answer: It captures and filters surgical plume to protect staff from hazardous airborne particles and chemicals
Smoke evacuators use ULPA filtration and activated carbon to remove surgical plume containing harmful particles and chemicals.
The capture device must be positioned within 2 inches of the surgical site. ULPA filters capture particles >0.12 um at 99.999%. Biomedical technicians verify suction flow rate and filter condition.
Question 3: What is the function of an operating room surgical light system and what parameters must be maintained?
- Standard room lighting is adequate
- Provide high-intensity, shadow-free, color-accurate illumination with minimal heat generation (Correct answer)
- Only for aesthetic purposes
- Primarily for patient warming
Correct answer: Provide high-intensity, shadow-free, color-accurate illumination with minimal heat generation
Surgical lights must provide high intensity (up to 160,000 lux), minimize shadows, and provide accurate color rendering (CRI >85).
Biomedical technician PM: measure illuminance with a calibrated lux meter, check all LED modules, test focus adjustment, verify suspension arm balance, and inspect sterile handles.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the return electrode monitoring (REM) system on an electrosurgical unit?
- To monitor the surgeon's hand position
- To continuously verify adequate contact of the dispersive electrode pad to prevent burns (Correct answer)
- To measure total energy delivered
- To control cutting depth
Correct answer: To continuously verify adequate contact of the dispersive electrode pad to prevent burns
REM monitors impedance between the split-pad sections, alarming and disabling output if contact degrades.
Biomedical technicians verify REM alarm function using a test adapter that simulates pad lift-off. Test at multiple power settings and confirm RF output is disabled when REM alarms.
Question 5: What is an operating room integration system and what does it manage?
- A surgery scheduling system
- A system that centrally controls video, audio, and data from multiple surgical devices within the OR (Correct answer)
- A surgical inventory system
- A room temperature control system
Correct answer: A system that centrally controls video, audio, and data from multiple surgical devices within the OR
OR integration systems manage routing of video from surgical cameras, audio, room controls, recording, and documentation.
Technical infrastructure includes video matrix switchers, touch panel controllers, ceiling-mounted displays, and IP network infrastructure. Biomedical technicians maintain video quality, display calibration, and recording systems.
Question 6: What safety considerations apply to surgical laser systems and what is the role of the laser safety officer?
- No special precautions needed
- Lasers require eye protection, fire prevention, smoke evacuation, controlled access, and a designated Laser Safety Officer (Correct answer)
- Only the surgeon needs eye protection
- Laser safety is managed by fire department
Correct answer: Lasers require eye protection, fire prevention, smoke evacuation, controlled access, and a designated Laser Safety Officer
Surgical lasers present multiple hazards requiring comprehensive safety measures managed by a designated LSO.
Biomedical technicians support laser safety by performing annual output power verification, testing safety interlocks and emergency stops, calibrating aiming beams, and inspecting fiber optics.
CBET Surgical Equipment Technology 2
What is the primary purpose of a surgical tourniquet system and what safety features must be verified?