Needling Precautions Flashcards
7 cards from real NCCAOM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Needling Precautions flashcards as text
A patient with a known pacemaker presents for acupuncture. The PRIMARY absolute contraindication for this patient is:
Answer: Electroacupuncture across or near the chest
Electrical current from electroacupuncture can interfere with pacemaker function and cause life-threatening arrhythmias, so electroacupuncture over the chest is absolutely contraindicated.
When treating an immunocompromised patient (e.g., undergoing chemotherapy), which precaution is MOST critical?
Answer: Strict sterile technique to minimize infection risk at needle insertion sites
Immunocompromised patients have severely reduced ability to fight infection, making impeccable sterile needle technique the most critical precaution.
A patient taking warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation wants acupuncture. The practitioner should:
Answer: Proceed with caution using fine-gauge needles and apply prolonged pressure post-removal to control bleeding
Patients on anticoagulants have increased bleeding risk, so fine-gauge needles and prolonged post-needle pressure are essential precautions, but treatment can proceed.
In a patient with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count below 50,000/µL), the practitioner should:
Answer: Avoid needling areas prone to bruising or near major vessels and apply longer pressure after needle removal
Low platelet counts impair clotting, requiring avoidance of vascular-adjacent points and extended post-needle pressure to prevent hematoma.
Which precaution applies specifically to needling a patient who has advanced osteoporosis?
Answer: Avoid deep needling near fragile vertebral bodies and use lighter stimulation to prevent fracture risk from strong twisting
Advanced osteoporosis increases fracture risk near fragile vertebrae, so practitioners must use lighter stimulation and avoid techniques that could stress compromised bone.
A patient with a history of convulsive seizure disorder presents for treatment. Which precaution is most appropriate during needle retention?
Answer: Never leave the patient unattended during needle retention in case a seizure occurs with needles in place
If a seizure occurs while needles are retained, injury from needle movement or dislodgement can occur, so the patient must never be left unattended.
When needling an elderly patient with thin, fragile skin, which modification is most appropriate?
Answer: Use finer-gauge needles with gentler insertion technique and reduced stimulation to minimize bruising and trauma
Elderly patients with fragile skin and reduced subcutaneous tissue benefit from fine-gauge needles and gentle technique to minimize tissue trauma and bruising.