Equipment Operation - A (Module) Flashcards
Which of the following gas analyzers is necessary when performing a nitrogen washout test?
A. Polarographic
B. Inrared absorption
C. Geissler tube ionizer
D. Thermal conductivity
C. Geissler tube ionizer.
When utilizing a bi-directional breathing valve during spirometry testing, the technologist should confirm that the valve has
- high compliance
- low resistance
- low deadspace
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 2 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
While performing routine maintenance of a blood gas analyzer, the technologist notices that there is a clot on the membrane of the PO2 electrode. The technologist should
A. remove the clot manually with a gloved hand.
B. insert protein remover and follow with two rinse cycles.
C. re-membrane the electrode.
D. perform a two point calibration of the electrode.
B. insert protein remover and follow with two rinse cycles.
The technologist performs arterial blood gas analysis. The technologist notes that the PO2 reading appears inaccurate. This could be the result of
A. use of a Mylar membrane.
B. a broken glass electrode.
C. low KCl buffer solution.
D. missing nylon spacer
A. use of a Mylar membrane.
The technonogist administers albuterol via small volume nebulizer to a 76 year old patient with a history of COPD as part of a post-bronchodilator spirometry test. During the treatment, the patient appears to be very sleepy. This is most likely caused by
A. inadequate flow to the nebulizer
B . an adverse reaction to the albuterol.
C. excessive oxygenation
D. inappropriate breath hold.
C. excessive oxygenation
The technologist performs calibration of a blood gas analyzer that utilizes the following calibration gases:
5% CO2
12% O2
83% N2
Which of the following would be the correct value for the clark electrode with a PB of 750 mm Hg?
A. 35 mm Hg
B. 59 mm Hg
C. 84 mm Hg
D. 102 mm Hg
C. 84 mm Hg
*Shortcut to answer: When asked to convert a % of gas to mm Hg, take the % given and multiply by 7.
I.E., 12 x 7 = 84
The technologist performs an exercise test on a 54 year old patient using a leg ergometer to vary the workload. During the test, the patient complains that it is very difficult to move the pedals at the lowest resistance level. Which of the following could be the cause of the problem?
A. the ergometer needs to be calibrated.
B. the resistance needs to be increased.
C. the flywheel needs to be cleaned.
D. the belt has broken.
C. the flywheel needs to be cleaned.
In order to calibrate the lab equipment, the pulmonary function technologist must determine the barometric pressure. The lab has a mercury barometer to measure the pressure and the technologist notes that the barometric pressure reading seems to be very low compared to previous readings The most reasonable explanation for the low reading is that the
A. mercury in the barometer has reached its expiration date.
B. technologist recorded the reading from the top of the meniscus.
C. needle indicator was set flush with the mercury.
D. air was not evacuated from the barometer before recording the measurement.
D. air was not evacuated from the barometer before recording the measurement.
If you don’t evacuate the air, it will compress in the tube and push back at the mercury, resulting in a low reading.
The technologist has analyzed several blood gas samples in the last two hours. Each result yielded several unstable readings. The most probably cause is
A. a ruptured membrane.
B. a clot on the electrode.
C. high level of buffer solution.
D. an exhausted battery.
A. a ruptured membrane.
The technologist performs a stress test while the patient walks on a treadmill. As the test begins, the patient steps on the treadmill and the belt stops moving. This is caused by
A. excessive weight on the treadmill.
B. a belt that is too loose.
C. the speed of the treadmill set too high.
D. a workload level that is set too low.
B. a belt that is too loose.
The technologist assists the physician with a fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedure. Following the procecure, the technologist is responsible for proper disinfection and sterilization of the equipment. Which of the following should the technologist recommend?
A. steam autoclave.
B. bleach
C. alkaline glutaraldehyde
D. ethylene oxide.
C. alkaline gluteraldehyde.
Aka (Cidex). This is the best way to sterilize a bronchoscope. It’s cheap and easy. Ethylene oxide works too, but is more expensive. Ethylene oxide is best for delicate/sensitive equipment.
The technologist receives an order for an exercise test on a 72 year old patient. The patient arrives for his scheduled test and the technologist notes that the patient is obese and has difficulty walking. When selecting the equipment for the exercise test, the technologist should recommend exercising the patient with a/an
A. cycle ergometer
B. treadmill
C. step method
D. arm ergometer.
A. cycle ergometer.
An arm ergometer is also a good choice, but should only be used when the patient has no legs.
A cycle ergometer may also be referred to as a stationary bicycle or leg ergometer.
The PFT laboratory has been asked by the infection control nurse to eliminate as many potential sources of cross-contamination within the lab as possible. The lab currently has a very strict cleaning and disinfection protocol that produces very good results. In addition, the lab utilizes as many disposable devices as possible. To further decrease the risk of cross-contamination the technologist should recommend
A. changing all small volume nebulizers to breath-actuated nebulizers.
B. converting as many small volume nebulizers as possible to metered dose inhalers.
C. utilising dosimeters in place of small volume nebulizers.
D. incorporating the use of dry powdered inhalers only.
B. converting as many small volume nebulizers as possible to metered dose inhalers.
aerosols from nebs can contaminate the room. MDI’s are best. DPI’s will work, but some meds are not available in DPI form.
The technologist is preparing the equipment for the day’s testing. The technologist notices that the expiration date on the sodim hydroxide canister is expired, however there is no color change in the contents of the canister. The technologist should
A. proceed with testing since the color has not changed.
B. replace the canister with fresh sodium hydroxide.
C. place the canister in the dryer to re-activate the sodium hydroxide.
D. exchange the canister with calcium sulfate.
B. replace the canister with fresh sodium hydroxide.
The technolodist performs a helium dilution test on a 47 year old man. The technologist assembled the absorbers in the circuit in the following order:
Calcium sulfate - first
Barium hydroxide - second
The analyzer is producing erratic readings. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
A. exchange the barium hydroxide for sodium hydroxide
B. have the patient exhale faster on the next breath
C. switch the location of the dessicant and barium hydroxide
D. insert a filter on the exhalation line.
C. switch the location of the desiccant and barium hydroxide.
Calcium sulfate is a desiccant and absorbs moisture. Barium hydroxide is a CO2 scrubber and absorbs CO2.
When barium hydroxide absorbs CO2 it creates water. You want to place the dessicant AFTER the barium hydroxide so the moisture it creates is absorbed and doesn’t affect the reading.
