Acupuncture Techniques and Procedures Flashcards

A patient becomes pale, sweaty and dizzy during treatment. What should be done FIRST?

Answer: Remove all needles and lay the patient flat

For needle fainting, remove the needles right away and lay the patient down with the head low.

Which point is pressed or needled to revive a patient who has fainted during acupuncture?

Answer: GV26 Shuigou (Renzhong)

GV26 is a classic resuscitation point for fainting and collapse.

A needle is stuck because it was rotated too far in one direction. What is the correct response?

Answer: Rotate it back in the opposite direction

Rotating back in the opposite direction frees muscle fibers that have wrapped around the needle.

How should a bent needle be removed?

Answer: Withdraw it slowly along the direction of the bend without rotating

Following the bend without twirling prevents the needle from breaking.

A needle breaks and part of it is still visible above the skin. What is the best action?

Answer: Keep the patient still and remove the fragment with forceps

Keep the patient still to stop it migrating and pull out the visible end with forceps; buried fragments need surgery.

Right after needle removal, a hematoma forms at the site. What is the correct immediate care?

Answer: Firm pressure, then a cold compress

Pressure and cold stop the bleeding first; warm compresses help reabsorption only after about 24 hours.

A patient has sudden chest pain and shortness of breath after deep needling at GB21. What is the most likely complication?

Answer: Pneumothorax

Deep needling over the lung apex at GB21 can cause pneumothorax, which needs emergency referral.