What common fault might a biomedical equipment technician (BMET) encounter with patient monitoring devices?

A biomedical equipment technician (BMET) might commonly encounter faulty power supplies when working with patient monitoring devices. Power supplies are crucial components that provide the necessary voltage and current for the device to function properly. If a power supply fails or operates below specifications, it can lead to equipment malfunctions, erratic behavior, or complete inoperability of the monitoring device. This issue is not only prevalent but can also significantly impact patient safety, making it a critical area for BMETs to address during maintenance and troubleshooting.

The other options relate to aspects that are generally desirable or positive attributes of equipment rather than faults. For instance, increased battery life and enhanced software functionalities are improvements that manufacturers strive for, while lower maintenance requirements can indicate a device's reliability or quality rather than a fault that needs rectification.