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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses frozen displays, unresponsive keys, or inability to enter feeding parameters caused by power, contamination, physical damage, or control-system faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Remove an Uncontrollable Pump From Patient Use
If controls do not respond reliably, discontinue use on the patient and transfer feeding to another verified pump.
Do not continue therapy with a device that cannot be reliably stopped, programmed, or acknowledged.
Expected outcome: The patient is no longer dependent on an uncontrollable device.
2. Confirm Which Control Is Affected
Determine whether the display is blank or frozen, one key is unresponsive, all keys are unresponsive, or programming changes cannot be entered.
Record what was being done immediately before the problem occurred.
Expected outcome: The control failure is clearly characterized.
3. Verify Power
Connect the pump to a known-good AC outlet and observe startup.
Check the external power connection for damage or intermittent engagement.
Expected outcome: Stable power is available and startup behavior can be evaluated.
4. Inspect for Physical Damage or Contamination
Inspect the display and keypad area for cracks, impact damage, dried formula, adhesive residue, liquid contamination, or keys that appear physically stuck.
Do not introduce cleaning fluid into openings.
Expected outcome: No obvious external condition is preventing control operation.
5. Perform a Normal Restart
With the pump disconnected from the patient, power it down using the normal method and restart it.
Do not repeatedly cycle power if the pump exhibits abnormal heating, odor, or other evidence of electrical failure.
Expected outcome: The display and controls initialize normally after restart.
If normal control operation is restored and remains stable through functional testing, troubleshooting can stop.
6. Test Each Accessible Control
Navigate through normal nonpatient programming functions and verify that expected keys respond consistently.
Do not enter restricted service menus or alter protected configuration.
Expected outcome: Controls respond predictably without sticking, delay, or intermittent operation.
7. Check for Intermittent Behavior
Gently operate the pump in normal handling positions while observing the display and keypad.
Do not strike, twist, or stress the housing.
Expected outcome: Normal handling does not cause the display or controls to freeze or reset.
8. Compare With a Known-Good Pump
If staff are uncertain whether the observed control behavior is normal, compare the workflow with another verified Kangaroo Joey.
Expected outcome: A true device malfunction is distinguished from an unfamiliar operating sequence.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
Confirm startup, programming, start/stop control, alarm acknowledgment, and normal display operation using a nonpatient setup.
Expected outcome: The pump can be reliably controlled during all required normal functions.
10. Escalate Persistent or Intermittent Control Failure
Remove the pump from service if any essential key remains unresponsive, the display freezes again, or programming cannot be reliably entered.
Expected outcome: An unreliable user interface is prevented from returning to patient care.
If the Problem Persists
Power, contamination, user workflow, and simple restart causes have been ruled out. Remaining causes may involve the keypad, display interface, control electronics, internal connections, or another service-level condition.
The device should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and evaluated by qualified personnel using appropriate manufacturer documentation and test equipment. Complete required functional testing before return to use.
Recognizing that intermittent control failures warrant removal from service is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A pump with intermittent programming controls is unsafe even if feeding continues, because staff may be unable to change, stop, or acknowledge therapy when required.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Staff reported that the Kangaroo Joey keypad would not respond when attempting to program the feeding dose."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found dried formula residue preventing one keypad control from moving normally."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleaned the accessible control surface using the approved method, verified consistent keypad and programming operation, and returned the pump to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Display condition
- Specific key or control affected
- AC or battery operation
- Whether restart changed the condition
- Visible contamination
- Evidence of impact or liquid intrusion
- Intermittent versus constant failure
- Programming functions tested
- Alarm acknowledgment tested
- Final device status
Final Thought
Reliable control is fundamental to safe feeding-pump use; rule out power and external contamination first, verify every essential function, and remove intermittent user-interface failures from service.
That is successful troubleshooting.