Identify the primary risk associated with electromagnetic interference (EMI) in healthcare settings.

In healthcare settings, electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses a significant risk primarily due to its potential to disrupt the functioning of medical devices. When EMI affects these devices, it can lead to malfunctions that compromise patient safety, such as incorrect readings from vital sign monitors or failure of life-sustaining equipment like ventilators and infusion pumps. These consequences can be critical, as they may lead to delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, or even life-threatening situations for patients relying on accurate medical interventions.

Understanding this risk is essential for Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) and healthcare personnel, as it underlines the importance of ensuring that medical devices are shielded from EMI sources, such as cell phones, radios, and other electronic equipment, to maintain the reliability and safety of patient care. The options that mention improved efficiency, enhancement of signal quality, or increased battery life do not accurately characterize the primary concerns associated with EMI, as they do not address the potential disruption and its serious consequences on device functionality and patient safety.