Quality Improvement Flashcards

Which serious adverse event is among the most commonly reported with acupuncture and is a key target for safety improvement?

Answer: Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax from deep needling over the thorax is one of the most frequently reported serious acupuncture complications.

A practitioner nearly uses a needle from a package with a broken seal but notices before insertion. How is this best classified for QI reporting?

Answer: Near miss

A near miss is an error caught before it reaches the patient and should still be reported to improve systems.

What is the main safety purpose of counting needles inserted and removed during each treatment?

Answer: To prevent needles from being forgotten in the patient

Matching insertion and removal counts helps keep needles from being left in patients.

According to Clean Needle Technique standards, what should be done with a used acupuncture needle?

Answer: Place it immediately into an approved sharps container

Used single-use needles go directly into a sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

When should a sharps container in an acupuncture treatment room be closed and replaced?

Answer: When it is about three-quarters full

Overfilling raises needlestick risk, so containers are replaced at about three-quarters full.

Under CNT and infection control guidelines, when must practitioners perform hand hygiene?

Answer: Before and after each patient contact and before needling

Hand hygiene is required before and after every patient contact and before handling needles.

Which practice best reduces the risk of needle shock (syncope) in first-time acupuncture patients?

Answer: Treating the patient lying down and confirming they have eaten

A reclining position and avoiding treatment on an empty stomach reduce fainting risk.