Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a patient with a medical device malfunction?
Sample answer:
As a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), I have encountered several instances where I had to manage patients with medical device malfunctions. One such example that comes to mind involves a patient who was admitted to the hospital with a malfunctioning cardiac pacemaker.
Upon receiving the patient’s medical history and conducting a thorough assessment, I noticed that the patient was experiencing symptoms of dizziness, palpitations, and fainting. Suspecting a potential issue with their cardiac pacemaker, I immediately took charge to ensure their safety and well-being.
Firstly, I collaborated with the healthcare team, including the primary physician and the biomedical engineering department, to gather more information about the specific malfunction and potential risks associated with it. It was crucial to understand the patient’s medical history and the exact nature of the device malfunction to develop an appropriate plan of action.
To address the issue, I closely monitored the patient’s vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, to assess their hemodynamic stability. I also ensured continuous cardiac monitoring to identify any arrhythmias or irregularities that might arise from the malfunctioning pacemaker.
Simultaneously, I coordinated with the biomedical engineering team to troubleshoot the pacemaker and determine the extent of the malfunction. This involved a meticulous assessment of the device’s programming, battery life, and lead connections. Working together, we carefully examined the pacemaker’s settings and conducted diagnostic tests to identify the specific m… Read full answer
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