CET Equipment Operation and Maintenance Flashcards
6 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CET Equipment Operation and Maintenance flashcards as text
An EKG machine displays a 'lead fault' or 'lead off' message. What is the MOST likely cause?
Answer: An electrode has detached or has poor skin contact
A lead fault error indicates the machine cannot detect a signal from one or more electrodes, most often due to detachment or poor contact.
What does a 'wandering baseline' artifact on a rhythm strip most commonly indicate regarding equipment?
Answer: The electrode has degraded or lost contact with the skin
Wandering baseline is most commonly caused by an electrode losing secure skin contact due to drying gel or patient movement.
When transporting a portable EKG machine between patient rooms, the technician should:
Answer: Coil and secure lead wires loosely to prevent wire damage and tripping hazards
Properly coiling and securing lead wires prevents internal wire breaks and protects staff and patients from tripping hazards.
A technician notices the EKG paper has a pink tint at the edges, indicating it is about to run out. The correct action is to:
Answer: Replace the paper roll before the next patient recording
The pink or colored edge is a thermal paper indicator signaling the roll is almost depleted; replacing it ensures complete, legible recordings.
Which type of EKG paper is used in most modern electrocardiographs?
Answer: Thermal (heat-sensitive) paper
Modern EKG machines use thermal paper that produces the tracing by heat rather than ink, eliminating the need for ink cartridges.
When should an EKG technician perform a daily equipment check on the machine?
Answer: At the start of each shift before the first patient
A pre-shift equipment check ensures the machine is functional, charged, stocked with paper, and producing an accurate calibration pulse before patient use.