AP Safety, Clean Needle Technique & Ethics 3

Question 1

Which antiseptic is MOST appropriate for preparing the skin before needle insertion according to clean needle technique (CNT)?

Accepted Answer

Isopropyl alcohol 70%

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol 70% is the standard antiseptic used for skin prep in CNT because it is effective, fast-drying, and well-tolerated.

Question 2

A patient in an acupuncture session becomes syncopal (faints). The FIRST action the practitioner should take is:

Accepted Answer

Remove all inserted needles and position the patient safely

Answer

Removing needles prevents injury during syncope and positioning the patient (e.g., supine with legs elevated) addresses the immediate safety need before further assessment.

Question 3

Which of the following patients presents the HIGHEST risk for pneumothorax during acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

A cachectic elderly patient receiving needling near GB-21

Answer

Cachectic (very thin) patients have minimal subcutaneous tissue over the chest and shoulder, making deep needling near GB-21 or the lung apex extremely high risk for pneumothorax.

Question 4

Under HIPAA, which of the following does NOT require patient authorization for disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing records in response to a valid court subpoena

Answer

A valid court order or subpoena compels disclosure without patient authorization; sharing with employers, marketing companies, or attorneys generally requires authorization.

Question 5

How long must acupuncture patient records be retained under most U.S. state regulations for adult patients?

Accepted Answer

3–7 years after the last visit (varies by state)

Answer

Most states require retention of adult patient records for a minimum of 3–7 years after the last treatment date, though exact requirements vary by jurisdiction.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP Safety, Clean Needle Technique & Ethics 3