CSPD CST Chapter 18

Patient care equipment should be stored in a ready to use condition to ensure that it can be readily accessed and utilized when needed. Storing equipment in this condition allows for efficient and timely patient care, as there is no need for additional preparation or cleaning before use. It also helps to maintain the equipment's functionality and longevity, as proper storage reduces the risk of damage or deterioration. Therefore, storing patient care equipment in a ready to use condition is crucial for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services.

Technicians in the biomedical engineering department perform safety inspections and functional tests on equipment. This department is responsible for maintaining and repairing medical equipment, ensuring that it is safe to use and functions properly. They may also be involved in the development and design of new medical equipment. The technicians in this department play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical equipment used in healthcare facilities.

Equipment that has been used, even if it is not visibly soiled, should still undergo a decontamination process before being returned to the clean equipment storage area. This is because there may be invisible contaminants or microorganisms present on the equipment that could pose a risk of infection or contamination. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper decontamination protocols are followed to maintain a safe and clean environment.

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 that patients are not exposed to any potential contamination. Reprocessing for re-use is not recommended for disposable components as it can compromise their safety and effectiveness. Discarding them during preventive maintenance or removing them in the biomedical engineering department would not be appropriate as it may delay the disposal process and increase the risk of contamination.

Biomedical techs and central service techs have different areas of expertise. While biomedical techs are specifically trained to repair patient care equipment, central service techs are responsible for the cleaning, sterilization, and distribution of medical instruments and equipment. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that both of them are qualified to repair patient care equipment.

When patient equipment enters a healthcare facility, it must be safety checked by a biomedical tech before it is cleared for patient use. A biomedical tech is responsible for inspecting and maintaining medical equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly and safe for use. They have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform safety checks and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to the equipment. This is important to ensure the safety and well-being of the patients who will be using the equipment.

Tracking patient care equipment can prevent equipment shortages. By keeping track of the location and usage of equipment, healthcare facilities can ensure that equipment is readily available when needed. This helps prevent situations where equipment is misplaced or not returned, leading to shortages and delays in patient care. Additionally, tracking equipment can also help identify patterns and trends in equipment usage, allowing facilities to better plan for future needs and allocate resources efficiently.

Preventative maintenance is a proactive approach that aims to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. By regularly inspecting and servicing equipment, healthcare facilities can prevent breakdowns, malfunctions, and injuries to patients. This approach helps to ensure that equipment is functioning optimally and reduces the risk of unexpected failures or accidents. It is an essential practice in maintaining the safety and reliability of medical equipment.

All patient care equipment dispensed for use must be considered contaminated and handled as such, regardless of its appearance. This means that even if the equipment appears clean or sterile, it should still be treated as if it is contaminated. This is important to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and to prevent the spread of infections. Proper handling and disposal procedures should be followed to minimize the risk of contamination and infection transmission.

The correct answer is "whenever the equipment is cleaned". Inspecting equipment for obvious hazards such as cracked or frayed electrical cords should be done whenever the equipment is cleaned. This is because cleaning the equipment provides an opportunity to closely examine its condition and identify any potential safety risks. Regular inspection during cleaning helps ensure that any hazards are identified and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of accidents or malfunctions. It is important to note that this inspection should be performed by trained individuals to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.

Manufacturers may provide equipment to facilities at no cost if the facility agrees to buy disposable equipment components from them. This is a common practice known as a loaner program, where manufacturers loan equipment to promote the use of their disposable components. By doing so, manufacturers ensure a continuous demand for their products and create a customer base for their disposable components. This arrangement benefits both the manufacturer and the facility, as the facility gets access to equipment without upfront costs, while the manufacturer secures a long-term customer for their disposable components.

A sequential compression unit is a common item of patient care equipment that limits the development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Peripheral Edema in immobile patients. This device applies intermittent pressure to the legs, helping to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots from forming. By promoting circulation, it reduces the risk of DVT and helps prevent fluid buildup in the extremities, which can lead to peripheral edema.

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 maintaining and repairing medical equipment. By returning the malfunctioning equipment to the biomedical department, they can assess the issue, repair it, and ensure that it is safe to use again. This helps to prevent further harm to patients and ensures that the equipment is functioning properly before being used again.

Maintenance insurance can help manage equipment costs by providing coverage for repairs, replacements, and maintenance services. This type of insurance can help businesses avoid unexpected expenses related to equipment breakdowns and ensure that necessary repairs are promptly addressed. By managing equipment costs, businesses can better allocate their resources and budget effectively. Additionally, maintenance insurance can also provide peace of mind to businesses, knowing that they are protected in case of any unforeseen equipment issues.

Equipment leasing and rental differ in terms of the duration of the agreement. Equipment rental is typically done for shorter periods of time, such as a few days or weeks, while equipment leasing involves longer-term agreements, often spanning months or years. This distinction is important because it affects the cost and flexibility of using the equipment.

Patient care equipment is typically stored in the central service department. This department is responsible for sterilizing and maintaining equipment used in patient care. Storing the equipment in this department ensures that it is easily accessible and ready for use when needed. Additionally, the central service department has the necessary expertise and resources to properly clean and sterilize the equipment, ensuring its safety and effectiveness for patient care.

A gastric suction unit is not used to suction liquids from oral and nasal cavities. Instead, it is used to remove stomach contents, such as gastric secretions or ingested substances, through a tube inserted into the stomach. This procedure is commonly performed to relieve gastrointestinal obstructions, prevent aspiration, or obtain samples for diagnostic testing.

The Safe Medical Devices Act requires healthcare facilities to report malfunctions of medical devices that have caused harm to patients to both the manufacturer and the FDA. This act aims to ensure patient safety by ensuring that any issues with medical devices are promptly identified and addressed. The other options listed in the question (OSHA patient safety act, EPA patient security act, and FDA equipment notification act) do not specifically address the reporting of medical device malfunctions.

The Joint Commission requires preventative maintenance standards because it is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. They focus on improving the quality and safety of healthcare services provided to patients. Preventative maintenance is important in healthcare settings to ensure that equipment and systems are regularly inspected, tested, and maintained to prevent potential failures or malfunctions that could compromise patient safety. The Joint Commission sets standards and guidelines for healthcare organizations to follow in order to maintain a safe and effective environment for patient care.