Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardDomain-Specific and Technical Vocabulary

A Spanish-language user manual for an automated external defibrillator (AED) includes the following safety instruction:

"Antes de administrar la descarga, asegúrese de que los parches de desfibrilación estén completamente adheridos al tórax desnudo del paciente y que nadie esté en contacto con el cuerpo para evitar una transferencia espuria de corriente."

Based on the context of these instructions, what is the meaning and safety implication of the phrase "transferencia espuria de corriente"?

  1. An unintended or stray flow of electricity that could shock bystanders or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.Answer
  2. B
    A counterfeit or low-quality electrical discharge caused by a malfunctioning battery pack.
  3. C
    The proper placement and attachment of the defibrillator pads on the patient's skin.
  4. D
    An intentional electrical pulse sent to calibrate the device's sensors before treatment.

Answer

An unintended or stray flow of electricity that could shock bystanders or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
The correct answer correctly identifies "transferencia espuria de corriente" as an unintended or stray flow of electrical energy. In electrical and medical contexts, "espuria" (spurious or parasitic) refers to electrical current that escapes its intended path, posing a hazard to bystanders touching the patient and reducing the shock's clinical effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the technical manual passage.
The instruction advises that before administering the shock ("descarga"), the pads must be attached to the patient's bare chest ("tórax desnudo") and no one should touch the body to prevent "transferencia espuria de corriente."
This establishes the scenario: delivering electrical therapy while ensuring bystanders are safe from contact with the patient's body.
2
Interpret the domain-specific phrase "transferencia espuria de corriente."
"Corriente" means electrical current. "Espuria" in technical Spanish (derived from spurious/parasitic) denotes stray, unwanted, or parasitic electricity that deviates from the main path.
Understanding the technical definition in context helps identify what is being avoided by not touching the patient.
3
Deduce the safety implication of this technical term.
If someone is touching the patient during the shock, the current will stray from the patient to the bystander, causing an unintended shock and reducing the energy delivered to the patient's heart.
Connecting the technical term to the safety protocol reveals the correct definition and reasoning.

Key Concept

Domain-Specific and Technical Vocabulary
Rate this question

Topics

Domain-Specific and Technical Vocabulary

More questions from this topic