ACC Safety & Hygiene 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of needle disposal container is required for acupuncture needles in a US clinical setting?
- Standard plastic waste bin
- Puncture-resistant sharps container (Correct answer)
- Biohazard bag only
- Cardboard box lined with plastic
Correct answer: Puncture-resistant sharps container
OSHA mandates puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps containers for all used acupuncture needles to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 2: When treating a patient with a known bloodborne pathogen infection, which precaution level should be applied?
- Standard precautions only
- Contact precautions only
- Standard precautions plus transmission-based precautions (Correct answer)
- No additional precautions beyond hand washing
Correct answer: Standard precautions plus transmission-based precautions
Standard precautions are always applied, and transmission-based precautions are added when a specific bloodborne pathogen is identified.
Question 3: What is the maximum fill level recommended for a sharps container before it must be sealed and disposed of?
- 50%
- 75% (Correct answer)
- 90%
- 100%
Correct answer: 75%
Sharps containers should be sealed and replaced when they reach 75% capacity to prevent overfilling and needlestick risk.
Question 4: Which hand hygiene agent is MOST effective against bloodborne pathogens when hands are visibly soiled?
- Alcohol-based hand rub
- Plain soap and water
- Antiseptic soap and water (Correct answer)
- Iodine wipes
Correct answer: Antiseptic soap and water
When hands are visibly soiled, antiseptic soap and water is required because alcohol-based rubs do not effectively remove visible contamination.
Question 5: In acupuncture practice, needle retention time for most protocols typically ranges from:
- 1–5 minutes
- 15–30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 45–60 minutes
- 2–3 hours
Correct answer: 15–30 minutes
Standard acupuncture needle retention is generally 15–30 minutes, balancing therapeutic effect with patient safety and comfort.
Question 6: Which antiseptic is the standard recommendation for skin preparation at an acupuncture needle insertion site?
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
- 70% isopropyl alcohol swab (Correct answer)
- Povidone-iodine solution
- Sterile saline
Correct answer: 70% isopropyl alcohol swab
A 70% isopropyl alcohol swab is the standard for skin antisepsis before needle insertion due to its broad-spectrum efficacy and rapid evaporation.
Question 7: Which of the following is a critical step BEFORE inserting acupuncture needles into a patient with thin, fragile skin (e.g., elderly)?
- Apply topical anesthetic cream
- Use thicker gauge needles for better control
- Stretch and stabilize the skin gently at the insertion point (Correct answer)
- Insert at a 90-degree angle for all points
Correct answer: Stretch and stabilize the skin gently at the insertion point
Gently stretching and stabilizing fragile skin reduces the risk of tearing and ensures accurate needle placement.
ACC Safety & Hygiene 2
Which type of needle disposal container is required for acupuncture needles in a US clinical setting?