What is a typical consequence of inadequate device maintenance?

Inadequate device maintenance often leads to an increased risk of device malfunction or failure during patient use. This is due to the fact that regular maintenance helps ensure that medical equipment functions properly and safely. Devices that are not well-maintained may develop faults or degrade over time, which can result in inaccurate readings, equipment failures during critical procedures, or even pose safety hazards to patients.

By neglecting routine checks like calibration, cleaning, and repairs, the likelihood of operational issues rises significantly. This can ultimately undermine patient safety and care quality, as malfunctioning devices might not perform as intended when needed most. Therefore, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that medical devices are reliable and safe for patient use.

While increased operational costs and improved device efficiency can be related to maintenance practices, they do not directly address the immediate risks associated with inadequate maintenance. Enhanced device performance is typically a result of proper care, rather than a consequence of neglect. Thus, the primary concern linked with inadequate maintenance pertains to the heightened risk of malfunction or failure.