CHP Patient Assessment for Hijama 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following findings on a patient's skin is an absolute contraindication for placing a cup at that site?
- A well-healed scar from 2 years ago
- An area of active psoriasis with open lesions (Correct answer)
- Mild body hair at the intended site
- Slight skin tanning from sun exposure
Correct answer: An area of active psoriasis with open lesions
Open or actively inflamed skin lesions such as psoriasis plaques with excoriations are an absolute contraindication at that site.
Question 2: When assessing a pediatric patient for hijama, the practitioner should:
- Treat pediatric patients the same as adults
- Obtain written parental or guardian consent before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Apply twice the standard number of cups for faster results
- Avoid taking a health history as children rarely have contraindications
Correct answer: Obtain written parental or guardian consent before proceeding
Written parental or guardian consent is legally and ethically required before performing hijama on a minor.
Question 3: A patient presents with a known diagnosis of hemophilia. The practitioner should:
- Perform dry hijama only at low suction
- Perform wet hijama with smaller incisions
- Decline wet hijama and refer the patient back to their hematologist (Correct answer)
- Proceed after applying topical clotting agents
Correct answer: Decline wet hijama and refer the patient back to their hematologist
Hemophilia is an absolute contraindication for wet hijama because uncontrolled bleeding is a life-threatening risk.
Question 4: During intake, a patient mentions she is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The most appropriate action is to:
- Apply cups only to the feet and hands
- Obtain oncologist clearance before performing any hijama (Correct answer)
- Proceed with dry hijama on the back
- Reduce session frequency to monthly only
Correct answer: Obtain oncologist clearance before performing any hijama
Chemotherapy compromises immunity and healing; medical clearance from the oncologist is required before hijama.
Question 5: A practitioner observes significant edema in a patient's legs during physical assessment. Which action is most appropriate?
- Apply cups over the edematous area to drain excess fluid
- Document the finding and avoid cupping directly over edematous tissue (Correct answer)
- Increase cup suction to force fluid redistribution
- Perform wet hijama on the legs to relieve pressure
Correct answer: Document the finding and avoid cupping directly over edematous tissue
Edematous tissue is fragile and may be a sign of underlying cardiac or renal pathology; cupping over it is contraindicated.
Question 6: Which element of the patient assessment specifically helps the practitioner identify the Islamic Sunnah-recommended timing for hijama?
- Review of current medications
- Documentation of the patient's lunar calendar date and health status (Correct answer)
- Measurement of blood pressure
- Skin condition assessment
Correct answer: Documentation of the patient's lunar calendar date and health status
The Sunnah recommends hijama on the 17th, 19th, or 21st of the Islamic lunar month, so noting the current lunar date is part of holistic CHP assessment.
Question 7: A patient's intake form reveals a history of seizures controlled by medication. The practitioner should:
- Avoid hijama on the head and neck and confirm seizure control status with the physician (Correct answer)
- Proceed normally as medication controls the condition
- Only apply cups to the lower extremities
- Refuse all treatment for any patient with seizure history
Correct answer: Avoid hijama on the head and neck and confirm seizure control status with the physician
Hijama on the head and neck in seizure-prone patients carries additional risks; physician clearance and site modification are prudent.
CHP Patient Assessment for Hijama 3
Which of the following findings on a patient's skin is an absolute contraindication for placing a cup at that site?