CBET - Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician Surgical Equipment Technology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A harmonic scalpel is a surgical instrument that cuts and coagulates tissue. What is the underlying physical principle it uses to achieve this effect?

Accepted Answer

High-frequency ultrasonic vibration

Answer

Radiofrequency electrical current

Answer

Focused high-intensity laser energy

Answer

Pressurized argon gas plasma

Question 2

During a laparoscopic procedure, what is the primary function of a surgical insufflator?

Accepted Answer

To distend the abdominal cavity with CO2 gas

Answer

To irrigate and suction fluid from the surgical site

Answer

To provide high-intensity illumination via fiber optics

Answer

To capture and filter aerosolized surgical smoke

Question 3

A steam autoclave cycle completes and the physical monitors (temperature and pressure graphs) indicate all parameters were met. However, a biological indicator (BI) test from the load subsequently fails (shows growth). Which of the following is the MOST probable cause?

Accepted Answer

The load was too dense or improperly packed, creating air pockets.

Answer

The autoclave's door gasket is leaking.

Answer

The heating element has completely failed.

Answer

The chamber pressure sensor is out of calibration.

Question 4

Which type of surgical laser is highly absorbed by water, making it extremely effective for precise soft-tissue cutting and vaporization with minimal collateral thermal damage?

Accepted Answer

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

Answer

Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet)

Answer

KTP (Potassium Titanyl Phosphate)

Answer

Argon

Question 5

A BMET is performing a preventive maintenance inspection on a pneumatic surgical tourniquet. Which of the following is the MOST critical safety verification?

Accepted Answer

Verifying the accuracy of the pressure display and its ability to maintain a set pressure

Answer

Ensuring the audible alarm is louder than 85 decibels

Answer

Checking the integrity of the power cord and plug

Answer

Confirming the unit's battery can hold a charge for at least 4 hours

Question 6

During a procedure using a monopolar electrosurgical unit (ESU), the surgeon complains of poor cutting effect even at a high power setting. The BMET has already used an ESU analyzer to confirm the generator is delivering the correct output power. What is the MOST likely cause of this problem?

Accepted Answer

The patient return electrode has poor, limited contact with the patient's skin.

Answer

The active electrode tip is too large for the procedure.

Answer

The ESU's footswitch is malfunctioning intermittently.

Answer

The hospital's line voltage is too low.