2023 AAMI SCIENCE REVIEW AND AAMI
COMPREHENSIVE SCIENCE REVIEW ACTUAL
EXAMS TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS|ALREADY GRADED A+
2023 AAMI Comprehensive Science Review Practice Exam
This practice exam is designed to prepare candidates for the AAMI
Comprehensive Science Review, a key component of the Certified
Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification process
administered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation (AAMI). The review covers foundational science topics
essential for biomedical equipment technicians, including anatomy and
physiology, microbiology, physics, electricity, and safety principles. It
draws from the AAMI CBET Detailed Content Outline (2018, with 2023
updates emphasizing networking and IT integration) and resources like the
CBET Study Guide and Smart Practice questions.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, mirroring the style of
the actual CBET exam (165 questions total, 3 hours, pass/fail at ~70% or
116 correct). Questions are "big" in scope, testing application and reasoning
rather than rote memorization. Each includes the correct answer and a
detailed Explanation- with references to AAMI standards, physiological
principles, or troubleshooting logic.
Instructions: Select the best answer. This is open-resource like the CBET,
but time yourself (90 minutes). Passing score: 35/50 (70%). Review weak
areas using AAMI's CBET Smart Practice (900+ questions) or the
Candidate Handbook.
,Question 1: Parrot Fever, a zoonotic disease relevant to biomedical
technicians handling contaminated equipment in veterinary or research
settings, is primarily caused by which pathogen?
A) Salmonella enterica
B) Chlamydia psittaci
C) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D) Listeria monocytogenes
E) Coxiella burnetii
Correct Answer-: B) Chlamydia psittaci
Explanation-: Parrot Fever, or psittacosis, is an infectious disease
transmitted from birds (e.g., parrots, pigeons) to humans via inhalation of
aerosolized droppings or secretions. Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate
intracellular bacterium that causes flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, and
potentially severe complications like endocarditis in immunocompromised
patients. For BMETs, this is critical when decontaminating equipment like
ventilators or incubators used in avian research labs, as improper cleaning
can lead to nosocomial spread. Diagnosis involves serology or PCR;
treatment is doxycycline. Prevention aligns with AAMI's infection control
guidelines in the CBET outline (Section 1:
Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology, ~15% of exam), emphasizing PPE and
sterilization protocols to mitigate biohazards in healthcare technology
management (HTM). Real-world application: During routine maintenance,
technicians must verify autoclave efficacy to achieve 121°C for 15 minutes,
killing C. psittaci spores.
Question 2: In the context of biomedical equipment safety, the mere
presence of infectious material on a surface (e.g., a patient monitor probe)
without active replication or transmission is best described as what?
A) Infection
B) Colonization
C) Contamination
,D) Virulence
E) Asymptomatic carriage
Correct Answer-:C) Contamination
Explanation-: Contamination refers to the introduction or presence of
pathogens on an inanimate object (fomite) or surface, such as blood or
saliva on an ECG electrode, without implying host invasion or disease
causation. This differs from infection (pathogen invasion causing harm) or
colonization (pathogen presence without symptoms). For CBET candidates,
understanding this is vital for risk assessment during equipment
inspections; contaminated devices can become vectors if not disinfected per
AAMI/ANSI ES1 standards (e.g., using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for
non-critical items). Explanation- ties to microbiology principles:
Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus survive on plastics for days,
necessitating ATP bioluminescence testing for cleanliness verification. In
practice, BMETs document contamination levels in PM logs to comply with
Joint Commission standards, preventing HAIs (hospital-acquired
infections) that cost U.S. hospitals $45 billion annually. CBET exam weight:
~10% on safety and infection control.
Question 3: All of the following are classified as viral diseases affecting
human physiology, relevant to equipment like viral filters on ventilators,
EXCEPT:
A) Hepatitis B
B) Influenza A
C) Tuberculosis
D) HIV/AIDS
E) COVID-19
Correct Answer-:C) Tuberculosis
Explanation-: Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, a bacterium, not a virus—distinguishing it from viral
pathogens like HBV (DNA virus), Influenza (RNA virus), HIV (retrovirus),
and SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus). This differentiation is crucial for BMETs
, selecting appropriate sterilization methods: Viruses are inactivated by
heat/UV, but bacterial spores (e.g., in TB) require autoclaving or ethylene
oxide. In the CBET science review, this tests microbiology knowledge
(~12% of exam), emphasizing equipment implications—e.g., HEPA filters
on respirators trap 0.3μm particles, effective against viral aerosols but
needing validation for bacterial loads via DOP testing. Real-world: During
TB outbreaks, BMETs isolate and decontaminate isolation room
equipment, reducing transmission risk by 90% per CDC guidelines.
Misclassification could lead to inadequate decontamination, violating
OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.
Question 4: Which anatomical structure in the cardiovascular system is
primarily responsible for the "lub-dub" heart sounds heard during
auscultation with a stethoscope, and how does this relate to biomedical
monitoring?
A) Aortic and pulmonic valves (S1); mitral and tricuspid (S2)
B) Mitral and tricuspid valves (S1); aortic and pulmonic (S2)
C) Atria during contraction; ventricles during relaxation
D) Sinoatrial node depolarization; atrioventricular node repolarization
E) Pulmonary veins; vena cava
Correct Answer-:B) Mitral and tricuspid valves (S1); aortic and pulmonic
(S2)
Explanation-: The "lub" (S1) is the closure of mitral and tricuspid
atrioventricular valves at systole onset, while "dub" (S2) is semilunar
(aortic/pulmonic) valve closure at diastole. This phonocardiography
principle is foundational for BMETs calibrating stethoscopes or acoustic
sensors in telemetry systems. CBET review stresses A&P integration (~20%
exam): Abnormal sounds (murmurs) indicate valve stenosis, detectable via
phonocardiogram traces on ECG monitors. Troubleshooting: Ensure
stethoscope frequency response (20-2000Hz) for accurate auscultation;
misalignment causes artifact. Clinical tie-in: In cardiac cath labs, BMETs
verify pressure transducers for valve gradient measurements (normal aortic
COMPREHENSIVE SCIENCE REVIEW ACTUAL
EXAMS TEST BANK QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS|ALREADY GRADED A+
2023 AAMI Comprehensive Science Review Practice Exam
This practice exam is designed to prepare candidates for the AAMI
Comprehensive Science Review, a key component of the Certified
Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification process
administered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation (AAMI). The review covers foundational science topics
essential for biomedical equipment technicians, including anatomy and
physiology, microbiology, physics, electricity, and safety principles. It
draws from the AAMI CBET Detailed Content Outline (2018, with 2023
updates emphasizing networking and IT integration) and resources like the
CBET Study Guide and Smart Practice questions.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, mirroring the style of
the actual CBET exam (165 questions total, 3 hours, pass/fail at ~70% or
116 correct). Questions are "big" in scope, testing application and reasoning
rather than rote memorization. Each includes the correct answer and a
detailed Explanation- with references to AAMI standards, physiological
principles, or troubleshooting logic.
Instructions: Select the best answer. This is open-resource like the CBET,
but time yourself (90 minutes). Passing score: 35/50 (70%). Review weak
areas using AAMI's CBET Smart Practice (900+ questions) or the
Candidate Handbook.
,Question 1: Parrot Fever, a zoonotic disease relevant to biomedical
technicians handling contaminated equipment in veterinary or research
settings, is primarily caused by which pathogen?
A) Salmonella enterica
B) Chlamydia psittaci
C) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D) Listeria monocytogenes
E) Coxiella burnetii
Correct Answer-: B) Chlamydia psittaci
Explanation-: Parrot Fever, or psittacosis, is an infectious disease
transmitted from birds (e.g., parrots, pigeons) to humans via inhalation of
aerosolized droppings or secretions. Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate
intracellular bacterium that causes flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, and
potentially severe complications like endocarditis in immunocompromised
patients. For BMETs, this is critical when decontaminating equipment like
ventilators or incubators used in avian research labs, as improper cleaning
can lead to nosocomial spread. Diagnosis involves serology or PCR;
treatment is doxycycline. Prevention aligns with AAMI's infection control
guidelines in the CBET outline (Section 1:
Anatomy/Physiology/Microbiology, ~15% of exam), emphasizing PPE and
sterilization protocols to mitigate biohazards in healthcare technology
management (HTM). Real-world application: During routine maintenance,
technicians must verify autoclave efficacy to achieve 121°C for 15 minutes,
killing C. psittaci spores.
Question 2: In the context of biomedical equipment safety, the mere
presence of infectious material on a surface (e.g., a patient monitor probe)
without active replication or transmission is best described as what?
A) Infection
B) Colonization
C) Contamination
,D) Virulence
E) Asymptomatic carriage
Correct Answer-:C) Contamination
Explanation-: Contamination refers to the introduction or presence of
pathogens on an inanimate object (fomite) or surface, such as blood or
saliva on an ECG electrode, without implying host invasion or disease
causation. This differs from infection (pathogen invasion causing harm) or
colonization (pathogen presence without symptoms). For CBET candidates,
understanding this is vital for risk assessment during equipment
inspections; contaminated devices can become vectors if not disinfected per
AAMI/ANSI ES1 standards (e.g., using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for
non-critical items). Explanation- ties to microbiology principles:
Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus survive on plastics for days,
necessitating ATP bioluminescence testing for cleanliness verification. In
practice, BMETs document contamination levels in PM logs to comply with
Joint Commission standards, preventing HAIs (hospital-acquired
infections) that cost U.S. hospitals $45 billion annually. CBET exam weight:
~10% on safety and infection control.
Question 3: All of the following are classified as viral diseases affecting
human physiology, relevant to equipment like viral filters on ventilators,
EXCEPT:
A) Hepatitis B
B) Influenza A
C) Tuberculosis
D) HIV/AIDS
E) COVID-19
Correct Answer-:C) Tuberculosis
Explanation-: Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, a bacterium, not a virus—distinguishing it from viral
pathogens like HBV (DNA virus), Influenza (RNA virus), HIV (retrovirus),
and SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus). This differentiation is crucial for BMETs
, selecting appropriate sterilization methods: Viruses are inactivated by
heat/UV, but bacterial spores (e.g., in TB) require autoclaving or ethylene
oxide. In the CBET science review, this tests microbiology knowledge
(~12% of exam), emphasizing equipment implications—e.g., HEPA filters
on respirators trap 0.3μm particles, effective against viral aerosols but
needing validation for bacterial loads via DOP testing. Real-world: During
TB outbreaks, BMETs isolate and decontaminate isolation room
equipment, reducing transmission risk by 90% per CDC guidelines.
Misclassification could lead to inadequate decontamination, violating
OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.
Question 4: Which anatomical structure in the cardiovascular system is
primarily responsible for the "lub-dub" heart sounds heard during
auscultation with a stethoscope, and how does this relate to biomedical
monitoring?
A) Aortic and pulmonic valves (S1); mitral and tricuspid (S2)
B) Mitral and tricuspid valves (S1); aortic and pulmonic (S2)
C) Atria during contraction; ventricles during relaxation
D) Sinoatrial node depolarization; atrioventricular node repolarization
E) Pulmonary veins; vena cava
Correct Answer-:B) Mitral and tricuspid valves (S1); aortic and pulmonic
(S2)
Explanation-: The "lub" (S1) is the closure of mitral and tricuspid
atrioventricular valves at systole onset, while "dub" (S2) is semilunar
(aortic/pulmonic) valve closure at diastole. This phonocardiography
principle is foundational for BMETs calibrating stethoscopes or acoustic
sensors in telemetry systems. CBET review stresses A&P integration (~20%
exam): Abnormal sounds (murmurs) indicate valve stenosis, detectable via
phonocardiogram traces on ECG monitors. Troubleshooting: Ensure
stethoscope frequency response (20-2000Hz) for accurate auscultation;
misalignment causes artifact. Clinical tie-in: In cardiac cath labs, BMETs
verify pressure transducers for valve gradient measurements (normal aortic
