CRCST Chapter 20 (8th Edition) Review Quiz

Disposable components such as pads and tubing on patient care equipment should be discarded at the point-of-use because they are designed for single-use only. Discarding them immediately after use helps prevent the spread of infections and ensures the safety of patients. Reprocessing for re-use is not recommended for disposable components as it can compromise their effectiveness and increase the risk of contamination. Discarding them during preventive maintenance or removing them in the biomedical engineering department would not be appropriate as it would delay the disposal process and potentially expose others to the used components.

The explanation for the correct answer "Biomedical/Clinical Engineering" is that technicians in this department are responsible for performing safety inspections and functional tests on equipment. This department specializes in the maintenance and management of medical equipment, ensuring that it is functioning properly and meets safety standards. Therefore, it is the most appropriate answer choice given the context of the question.

Patient care equipment that has been dispensed for use should be considered contaminated, regardless of its appearance. This means that even if the equipment looks clean or sterile, it should still be handled as if it is contaminated. This is because there may be microorganisms or pathogens present on the equipment that are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is important to follow proper infection control protocols and handle all patient care equipment as if it is contaminated to prevent the spread of infections.

A biomedical technician is responsible for safety checking patient equipment in a healthcare facility before it is cleared for patient use. They have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and does not pose any risks to patients.

Patient care equipment should be stored in a "ready to dispense" condition because this ensures that the equipment is clean, functional, and readily available for use when needed. Storing equipment in a "ready to dispense" condition means that it has been properly cleaned, inspected, and maintained, and is ready to be used without any further preparation or delay. This helps to ensure the safety and efficiency of patient care, as healthcare providers can quickly access and use the equipment without having to spend additional time on cleaning or preparation.

Tracking patient care equipment can prevent equipment shortages. This statement implies that by tracking the equipment, healthcare facilities can ensure that they have enough equipment available to meet the needs of their patients. By monitoring the usage and location of the equipment, they can identify any shortages or areas where equipment may be needed, allowing them to take proactive measures to prevent shortages and ensure that patient care is not compromised.

Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach aimed at identifying and addressing potential problems before they actually occur. It involves regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and other necessary actions to ensure that equipment remains in optimal condition. By conducting preventive maintenance, healthcare facilities can minimize the risk of equipment failure, reduce downtime, and prevent potential harm to patients. This approach helps in identifying any potential issues early on, allowing for timely repairs or replacements, and ultimately ensuring the safety and efficiency of the equipment.

A sequential compression device is a common item of patient care equipment that limits the development of deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema in immobile patients. This device works by applying intermittent pressure to the legs, which helps promote blood flow and prevent blood clots from forming. It is often used in hospitals and other healthcare settings for patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. The other options listed, such as a respirator, intermittent suction device, and defibrillator, do not specifically address the prevention of deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema.

Equipment leasing and rental differ in terms of the duration of use. Equipment rental is typically done on a shorter-term basis, where the equipment is rented for a specific period of time, such as a few days, weeks, or months. On the other hand, equipment leasing involves a longer-term commitment, usually ranging from months to years. In leasing, the lessee essentially purchases the equipment and pays regular lease payments over the agreed-upon term. Therefore, the statement "equipment rental is usually done on a shorter-term basis than equipment leasing" accurately describes the difference between the two options.

If an equipment malfunction causes harm to patients, it should be returned immediately to the biomedical department. This is because the biomedical department is responsible for repairing and maintaining medical equipment. By returning the malfunctioning equipment to the biomedical department, they can assess the issue, repair it if possible, and ensure that it is safe for future use. This helps prevent further harm to patients and ensures that the equipment is in proper working condition before it is used again.

The correct answer is whenever the equipment is inspected in Central Service. This is because Central Service is responsible for inspecting the equipment and ensuring that it is safe to use. Inspecting for obvious hazards, such as cracked or frayed electrical cords, is an important part of maintaining equipment safety. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the equipment for these hazards whenever it is inspected in Central Service.

Patient care equipment is typically stored in the Central Service department. This department is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining the equipment used in patient care. Storing the equipment in the Central Service department ensures that it is easily accessible to healthcare staff when needed and that it is properly cleaned and maintained to ensure patient safety.

The decision to use reusable or disposable instruments in procedure trays is determined by several factors including physician preference, storage, and cost. This means that the choice is not solely based on one factor, but rather a combination of these factors. Physician preference plays a role as different physicians may have different preferences for using either reusable or disposable instruments. Storage is also a consideration as the availability of space may impact the decision. Finally, cost is an important factor as disposable instruments may be more expensive upfront but can save on sterilization and reprocessing costs in the long run.

The Joint Commission requires that preventive maintenance standards be established for medical equipment. The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. They set standards and provide guidelines for healthcare organizations to ensure the safety and quality of patient care. One of these standards is the establishment of preventive maintenance standards for medical equipment to ensure its proper functioning and minimize the risk of equipment failure or malfunction.

The Safe Medical Devices Act requires healthcare facilities to report malfunctions of medical devices that have contributed to patient injury, illness, and/or death to the manufacturer and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This act ensures that any issues with medical devices are properly addressed and monitored to prevent further harm to patients.