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Patient Monitoring Systems Flashcards

7 cards from real CBET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A capnograph displays an abnormally low ETCO2 reading with a shark-fin waveform shape. What condition does this most likely indicate?

    Answer: Bronchospasm or partial airway obstruction

    A shark-fin capnogram waveform indicates obstructed exhalation, classically seen in bronchospasm or COPD exacerbation.

  2. During routine calibration of a bedside monitor's SpO2 sensor, a BMET notices the oximeter reads 98% on a patient confirmed by ABG to have SaO2 of 84%. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels

    Pulse oximetry cannot differentiate oxyhemoglobin from carboxyhemoglobin, causing falsely elevated SpO2 readings in CO poisoning.

  3. A nurse reports that a patient's invasive arterial line is showing an overdamped waveform. Which of the following is the BEST corrective action?

    Answer: Check for air bubbles, clots, or kinked tubing in the system

    Overdamping is most commonly caused by air bubbles, clots, or mechanical occlusion that attenuates pressure wave transmission.

  4. What is the primary purpose of the fast flush test (square wave test) performed on an invasive hemodynamic monitoring system?

    Answer: To assess the dynamic frequency response and damping coefficient of the system

    The square wave test evaluates dynamic response by analyzing the oscillations after a fast flush to determine if the system is adequately damped.

  5. A neonatal ICU monitor alarm activates for a SpO2 reading of 80%. The BMET verifies equipment function is normal. What physiological artifact is LEAST likely responsible?

    Answer: Elevated fetal hemoglobin concentration

    Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has similar optical absorption properties to adult hemoglobin at standard oximetry wavelengths and does not significantly cause inaccurate SpO2 readings.

  6. A telemetry technician reports frequent ST-segment false alarms on a cardiac monitor. Which monitor setting change would BEST reduce these false alarms while maintaining clinical sensitivity?

    Answer: Switch to a monitoring lead that provides a more stable baseline for that patient

    Selecting an optimal lead with a cleaner isoelectric baseline reduces motion-induced ST baseline wander without compromising detection sensitivity.

  7. Which parameter does a Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor measure to assess depth of anesthesia?

    Answer: Processed electroencephalographic (EEG) activity

    BIS monitors analyze and process raw EEG signals to produce a dimensionless index (0–100) correlating with level of consciousness.