Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards

When an equine chiropractic practitioner's adjusting instrument is dropped onto a hard barn floor during a session, the correct protocol is to:

Answer: Inspect the instrument for visible damage, retest function before use, and document the incident

A dropped instrument may sustain internal damage affecting calibration; it must be visually inspected, functionally tested, and the incident documented before resuming use.

What is the primary purpose of performing a 'function test' on an adjusting table's locking mechanism at the beginning of an equine chiropractic session?

Answer: To confirm the table will remain stable and not collapse under equine patient weight during treatment

Confirming the locking mechanism functions correctly ensures the table will not collapse under the horse's weight, directly preventing serious injury.

Which scenario most warrants immediate removal of a chiropractic instrument from clinical use?

Answer: The instrument delivers a noticeably different force 'feel' than normal and the calibration dial appears to have shifted

Unexpected changes in force feel and dial position indicate the instrument is out of calibration and potentially delivering incorrect therapeutic force, requiring immediate removal from service.

An equine chiropractor working in a cold outdoor environment notices the instrument spring feels stiffer than normal. This is most likely because:

Answer: Cold temperatures increase spring stiffness, potentially altering force output compared to calibrated indoor conditions

Metal springs stiffen in cold temperatures, which can increase force output above calibrated levels and requires awareness when working in cold outdoor environments.

For accurate record-keeping in an equine chiropractic mobile practice, equipment maintenance logs should include which minimum data points?

Answer: Instrument ID, date of service/calibration, technician name, issue noted, and corrective action taken

Comprehensive logs with instrument ID, service dates, technician, issue, and corrective action create an auditable trail supporting quality assurance and liability management.

A practitioner finds that their portable photobiomodulation (PBM) device's output indicator light no longer illuminates during operation. The correct response is:

Answer: Discontinue use until the device is evaluated by a qualified technician, as the safety indicator may be non-functional

A non-functional output indicator may signal device malfunction; continuing use without verified output risks under-treating or exposing the patient to unmonitored radiation.

Which practice most effectively extends the life of positioning bolsters and wedges used in equine chiropractic field work?

Answer: Cleaning with appropriate disinfectant after use, storing in a dry location, and inspecting covers for tears before each session

Consistent cleaning, dry storage, and regular cover inspections prevent material degradation, maintain hygiene, and maximize the functional lifespan of bolsters and wedges.