Safety & Hygiene Flashcards
7 cards from real ACC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety & Hygiene flashcards as text
Which hepatitis virus poses the greatest occupational risk to acupuncture practitioners via needlestick injury?
Answer: Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is 50–100 times more transmissible via needlestick than HIV and represents the highest bloodborne occupational risk; vaccination is recommended.
A patient reports they are taking warfarin (a blood thinner). What is the primary safety consideration for acupuncture?
Answer: Monitor for excessive bleeding at needle sites and avoid deeply needled points
Anticoagulant therapy increases bleeding risk; practitioners should minimize depth, apply pressure post-removal, and avoid highly vascular areas.
What does the term 'broken needle' refer to in acupuncture safety, and what is the initial management?
Answer: A needle shaft that fractures inside the patient; remain calm, ask patient to stay still, and attempt retrieval if the fragment is visible
A broken needle is a rare emergency where the shaft breaks inside tissue; the patient should remain still to prevent migration while the practitioner attempts safe retrieval or refers for medical intervention.
Which of the following is required on the label of a sharps disposal container used in a clinical acupuncture setting?
Answer: Biohazard symbol and 'Sharps' or equivalent warning language
OSHA requires sharps containers to be labeled with the biohazard symbol and appropriate warning language to alert handlers of the contents.
How long should a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab be allowed to dry on the skin before needle insertion?
Answer: Until visibly dry (approximately 30 seconds)
Alcohol must be allowed to dry completely (about 30 seconds) to achieve maximum antiseptic effect and to prevent stinging at the insertion site.
Which condition is an absolute contraindication to placing needles in edematous (swollen) limbs?
Answer: Lymphedema following lymph node removal
Needling a lymphedematous limb can trigger or worsen infection (cellulitis) and further damage compromised lymphatic drainage.
Which action should a practitioner take if a patient develops a hematoma at a needle site during treatment?
Answer: Remove the needle, apply firm direct pressure, then cold compress
Removing the needle and applying firm pressure followed by a cold compress minimizes blood extravasation and bruising.