Equipment Operation - Test Your Knowledge (Workbook)

Question 1

The technologist is performing calibration of a blood gas analyzer that has the following calibration gases:

CO2 5%
O2 12%
N2 83%

Which of the following would be the correct value for the Severinghaus electrode with a PB of 760 mm Hg?

A. 50.6 mm Hg
B. 45.6 mm Hg
C. 35.6 mm Hg
D. 25.6 mm Hg

Answer 1

C. 35.6 mm Hg

Question 2

When preparing for a routine exercise stress test, the technologist should set the paper speed on the ECG machine to record at

A. 5mm/sec
B. 10mm/sec
C .15mm/sec
D. 25mm/sec

Answer 2

D. 25mm/sec

Question 3

When checking the operation of a mass spectrometer to analyze gas concentration during pulmonary function testing, the technologist observes that the total sum of all the gases analyzed is less than 100%. The technologist should

A. increase the concentration of each gas until it reaches 100%
B. increase the overall gain until the sum reaches 100%
C. obtain another analyzer
D. decrease the sample line.

Answer 3

B. increase the overall gain until the sum reaches 100%.

Question 4

Which of the following is/are used to properly calibrate a body plethysmograph?

1. rotameter
2. barometer
3. dosimeter
4. sine-wave rotary pump

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1 and 3 only

Answer 4

B. 1, 2, and 4 only

Question 5

A technologist is peforming DLCO testing. Which of the following analyzers will provide the quickest response time for this diagnostic test?

A. infrared absorption
B. gas chromatograph
C. geissler tube ionizer
D. wheatstone bridge

Answer 5

A. infrared absorption

Question 6

The most appropriate application of inductive plethysmography is while performing

A. exercise stress testing
B. spirometry
C. bronchial challenge testing
D. sleep studies

Answer 6

D. sleep studies

inductive = “motion”

inductive pleythysmography is used in sleep studies to monitor chest movement and tidal volume. The sensors are wrapped around the chest and abdomen.

Question 7

All of the following are components of the Sanz electrode EXCEPT

A. KCl buffer solution
B. mylar membrane
C. ceramic plug
D. silver-silver chloride wire.

Answer 7

B. mylar membrane

Mylar membranes are associated with the clark electrode.

Question 8

While performing routine spirometry testing using a uni-directional valve, the patient informs the technologist that he can inhale, but it is difficult to exhale. In this case, the valve

A. is malfunctioning
B. has very high resistance
C. placement is reversed
D. is stuck in the closed position

Answer 8

C. placement is reversed

Question 9

While performing a helium dilution procedure for FRC measurement, the technologist notices that the patient is tachypneic two minutes into the testing period. The most common cause is

A. the scrubber is exhausted
B. the patient has had an allergic reaction to the helium
C. the desiccant is missing
D. this is normal response to testing

Answer 9

A. the scrubber is exhausted

The two most common indications of CO2 rebreathing are tachypnea and feeling hot. If the scrubber is exhausted, the patient will rebreathe CO2.

Question 10

The technologist is asked to measure PEF at the patient’s bedside. The technologist has the patient perform the maneuver a total of six times. The last four readings were exceptionally low. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the difference in the readings?

A. patient fatigue
B. use of a low range peak flow meter
C. heating element is not working properly
D. bent vane

Answer 10

A. patient fatigue

Question 11

A technologist is working at a small rural hospital which has a fully functioning water-seal spirometer. While performing calibration, the technologist notices that the volume calibration produces a value of 3.2L consistently. All of the following could be the cause of the readin EXCEPT

A. a bent bell.
B. low water level
C. air is leaking into the system
D. the potentiometer is malfunctioning.

Answer 11

B. low water level

Question 12

Which of the following items of equipment can produce a consistent flowrate to properly calibrate a spirometer for flow?

A. dry rolling seal
B. wedge bellows
C. rotameter
D. potentiometer

Answer 12

C. rotameter

Question 13

The pulmonologist has issued an order for pre & post bronchodilator spirometry. The technologist has confirmed the order and noted in the chart that the patient is unable to correctly use an MDI. Which of the following devices should the technologist recommend to administer the bronchodilator?

A. dry powder inhaler
B. small volume nebulizer
C. dosimeter
D. breath-actuated nebulizer

Answer 13

B. small volume nebulizer

Question 14

The main purpose of the vent in the body plethysmograph is to

A. allow the patient to pant easier.
B. provide accurate measurement of FRC
C. maintain the temperature
D. account for a small leak

Answer 14

C. maintain the temperature

Question 15

All of the following are advantages of using a leg ergometer for exercise stress testing EXCEPT

A. cycling is a natural motion for most patients
B. less danger of patient falls or injury
C. results are independent of body weight
D. patient can stop the exercise at any point during the test

Answer 15

A. cycling is a natural motion for most patients

Question 16

When properly preparing the patient’s skin for an exercise stress test, the technologist should minimize motion artifact on the ECG recordings. This can best be accomplished by

1. scrubbing the skin with an abrasive material
2. securing the electrodes with tape
3. shaving the site if necessary
4. placing the electrodes on the lower part of the torso

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 1 and 3 only

Answer 16

B. 1, 2, and 3 only

Question 17

A technologist notes that a patient scheduled for simple spirometry has a confirmed case of tuberculosis. The technologist should

A. refuse testing based on the diagnosis
B. confirm the appointment as scheduled
C. schedule the patient at the end of the day
D. obtain a disposable spirometer

Answer 17

C. schedule the patient at the end of the day

Question 18

Which of the following is/are considered proper protection devices for a patient who has a history of bronchiectasis?

1. gloves
2. goggles
3. gown
4. mask

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 3, and 4 only
D. 2 and 3 only

Answer 18

C. 1, 3, and 4 only

Question 19

When performing cardiopulmonary exercise testing, which of the following devices should a properly equipped lab always have access to in the event of a cardiac emergency?

A. oxygen tank
B. emergency crash cart
C. manual resuscitator
D. defibrillator

Answer 19

D. defibrillator

Question 20

The method of quality control which utilizes whole blood samples is termed

A. tonometry
B. calibration
C. plethysmography
D. mass spectrometry

Answer 20

A. tonometry