Healthcare Technology Problem-Solving Flashcards
6 cards from real CBET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Healthcare Technology Problem-Solving flashcards as text
A nurse reports that a pulse oximeter is consistently reading SpO2 values 5-8% lower than expected on multiple patients. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: The sensor is placed incorrectly or the sensor window is dirty/damaged
A consistently low SpO2 reading across multiple patients typically indicates a sensor issue.
An infusion pump displays a 'door open' alarm even though the door is fully closed and latched. What troubleshooting approach should you take first?
Answer: Inspect the door latch mechanism and door switch for mechanical wear or debris
A false 'door open' alarm indicates the door switch or latch mechanism is not properly activating when closed.
During an electrical safety test, a patient monitor passes all leakage current tests under normal conditions but fails under single-fault (open ground) condition. What does this indicate?
Answer: The device has adequate basic insulation but relies on the ground connection for safety - internal insulation may be degrading
Passing under normal conditions but failing under open ground indicates internal insulation degradation that the ground path currently compensates for.
A ventilator's delivered tidal volume is consistently 15-20% lower than the set value. The circuit has been checked for leaks and none were found. What should you investigate next?
Answer: The flow sensor calibration and the expiratory valve function
With no circuit leaks, a consistent under-delivery suggests flow sensor drift or expiratory valve malfunction.
Multiple physiologic monitors on the same nursing unit are showing intermittent signal artifact on ECG waveforms. Patient leads and cables have been replaced. What environmental factor should be investigated?
Answer: Electromagnetic interference from nearby equipment or construction
Intermittent ECG artifact affecting multiple monitors suggests electromagnetic interference from a shared environmental source.
A defibrillator delivers energy but the delivered energy is consistently 20% below the selected setting. After verifying with a defibrillator analyzer, what is the most probable cause?
Answer: Degraded internal capacitor or relay contact oxidation in the energy delivery circuit
Consistently low energy delivery typically indicates degradation of the main energy storage capacitor or increased resistance in the delivery pathway.