How to Use Hospital Equipment

The devices, tools, medical consumables and equipment used in the hospital and health care settings are called hospital medical equipment. Function is the main basis for the classification of medical equipment. Diagnostic equipment includes the ultrasound machine, X-ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and Computed Tomography (CT) machine. Therapeutic equipment includes medical lasers, infusion pumps and radiation therapy machines. Critically ill patients need therapeutic medical equipment like the medical ventilators, heart-lung machines and dialysis machines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap and Water
• Manual
• Hospital Equipment
• Electrical Outlet
• Cotton balls
• Cleansing agent

Instructions

1. Wash your hands with soap and water following the aseptic technique.

2. Read the instructions stated on the manual before touching the machine.

3. Check all the wires and cords. Ensure that they are properly connected to the machine.

4. Plug the machine into the electrical outlet.

5. Locate the power button and turn it on.

6. Input the necessary data required by the machine, such as the patient's demographic data. For example, an EKG machine request the patient's data once turned on. To successfully enter the data, press the button indicated on the manual. If a toggle knob is present, as is the case with the MAC 8 EKG Machine, use it to go backward and forward between fields. Ensure that you fill out all the necessary fields such as the physician who ordered the test and the purpose of the test as well as all the other fields.

7. Clean the site or location of the patient's body where machine will be attached with cotton balls and a cleansing agent as indicated.

8. Attach the machine to the patient.

9. Perform the test while monitoring the status of the patient at the same time. Note for the expected reactions as well as the untoward reactions during the course of the procedure.

10. Push the indicated button to record and print out a copy of the examination once the test is done.

11. Unhook the patient from the machine.

12. Clean the parts of the machine that came in contact with the patient as indicated.

13. Wash hands and towel dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Washing of the hands prior to handling of equipment will help prevent the spread of infection. Perform the procedure in a well-lit area if not contraindicated for the procedure. If so, turn on the lights prior to the procedure to check proper functioning of equipment and turn off the lights once confirmed. Some machines such as the ECG machine require plugging into the outlet even when not in use. The patient's demographic data can either be entered into the machine before or after he or she is hooked to it. You can skip out some of the fields in emergency situations.
• Before plugging the machine to the electrical outlet, take note of the electric voltage requirement.

References

• How to Use an EKG Machine
• How to Use a Suction Machine
• Hospital Equipment

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