Safety & Hygiene Flashcards

A practitioner sustains a needlestick injury from a used acupuncture needle. What is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water

The first response to a needlestick is immediate washing with soap and water for several minutes before reporting and further evaluation.

Which federal agency sets the bloodborne pathogen standard that acupuncture clinics must follow?

Answer: OSHA

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates exposure control plans, PPE, and sharps management for occupational exposure settings.

What is 'clean needle technique' (CNT) primarily designed to prevent?

Answer: Cross-contamination and infection transmission

CNT is a set of aseptic practices designed to prevent the transmission of infection between patients and practitioners during acupuncture.

How should single-use acupuncture needles be stored prior to use?

Answer: In a dry, clean area away from direct sunlight and moisture

Needles must be stored in a cool, dry, clean area to prevent degradation of packaging sterility and avoid moisture contamination.

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is routinely recommended for acupuncture practitioners during needle insertion?

Answer: Gloves as standard practice for all needle procedures

Standard precautions recommend wearing gloves during any procedure involving potential contact with blood or body fluids, including acupuncture.

Which of the following surfaces in an acupuncture treatment room requires disinfection between patients?

Answer: Treatment table and any surfaces that may have been touched or contaminated

All high-touch surfaces, including the treatment table, must be disinfected between patients to prevent cross-contamination.

Pneumothorax is a known risk of needling which region?

Answer: Upper back and chest wall near the lung apex

Needling points overlying the lung apices (e.g., GB 21, BL 13) at excessive depth can puncture the pleura and cause pneumothorax.