Emergency Procedures & Response Flashcards
7 cards from real AP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Procedures & Response flashcards as text
Which sign best distinguishes a tension pneumothorax from a simple pneumothorax after an acupuncture incident?
Answer: Tracheal deviation away from the affected side with hemodynamic instability
Tracheal deviation away from the affected side combined with hemodynamic compromise (hypotension, tachycardia) indicates tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency.
A patient with a history of bleeding disorder develops a post-needling hematoma at CV 12. Which complication warrants immediate emergency referral?
Answer: Rapidly expanding hematoma with signs of internal bleeding and abdominal rigidity
Rapidly expanding hematoma with abdominal rigidity suggests significant internal hemorrhage at an abdominal point, requiring immediate emergency care.
During gua sha treatment, a patient develops severe dizziness and nearly faints. After stopping treatment, which position should the patient be placed in?
Answer: Supine with legs elevated approximately 30 degrees
Supine position with legs elevated increases venous return to the heart, helping to restore cerebral perfusion in vasovagal syncope.
A patient receiving auricular acupuncture reports sudden severe ear pain, facial palsy, and vesicles in the ear canal. This presentation suggests:
Answer: Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) — a pre-existing condition
Ramsay Hunt syndrome presents with ear pain, vesicles in the ear canal, and facial palsy; this is a pre-existing viral condition that should be referred to a physician immediately.
When is it appropriate to perform CPR on a patient who has a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order?
Answer: Never, if the DNR is properly documented and available at the time of the event
A valid, properly documented DNR order must be honored; performing CPR against a DNR violates patient autonomy and legal requirements.
A patient calls the clinic reporting sharp pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea that developed 2 hours after their acupuncture session involving points near BL 13. What should the practitioner advise?
Answer: Go to the emergency department immediately for evaluation of possible pneumothorax
Delayed pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea following needling of points near the lung apex (BL 13 is at T3 level) warrants immediate ER evaluation to rule out pneumothorax.
Which element of standard precautions is specifically designed to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens during acupuncture?
Answer: Single-use sterile disposable needles for each patient
Single-use disposable needles eliminate cross-contamination risk; this is the accepted standard of care and mandated in most U.S. states.