EDT Patient Preparation & Safety 4

Question 1

A patient with diabetes mellitus presents for EDX testing. Their hands feel cool. The skin temperature is measured at 30°C. What is the correct action before beginning nerve conduction studies?

Accepted Answer

Warm the hands to at least 32°C using warm water or a heating pad before testing

Answer

Standard protocol requires limb temperature to be at least 32°C (some labs use 34°C) before NCS; warming prevents false prolongation of latencies that mimics or worsens apparent neuropathy.

Question 2

During a somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) study, the patient must remain still for extended periods. Which safety consideration is unique to SSEP compared to routine EMG/NCS?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged immobility raises pressure injury risk, especially over bony prominences

Answer

SSEP studies can require the patient to lie still for 30–60 minutes; pressure redistribution and padding of bony prominences are necessary to prevent skin breakdown, particularly in patients with sensory deficits.

Question 3

What is the purpose of checking electrical isolation of EDX equipment before performing studies on a patient connected to other medical devices (e.g., IV pump, cardiac monitor)?

Accepted Answer

To prevent stray leakage currents from flowing through the patient between devices, causing microshock

Answer

When multiple devices are connected to a patient, leakage currents can sum and reach levels capable of causing ventricular fibrillation (microshock), particularly in patients with intracardiac catheters.

Question 4

Which statement correctly describes the handling of a needle stick injury sustained during needle EMG?

Accepted Answer

Squeeze the wound to express blood, flush with water, report to occupational health, and follow institutional exposure protocol

Answer

Post-exposure protocol includes immediate wound care (allow bleeding, flush with water/soap), reporting to employee health, and following the institution's bloodborne pathogen exposure plan, which may include prophylaxis.

Question 5

In a pediatric patient scheduled for nerve conduction studies, which modification to standard adult NCS technique is most commonly required?

Accepted Answer

Inter-electrode distances must be adjusted downward because limb segments are shorter

Answer

Shorter limb segments in children require proportionally reduced inter-electrode distances (e.g., for orthodromic sensory studies) to maintain accurate distance-based velocity calculations.

(EDT) Electrodiagnostic Technician Certification Practice Test

(EDT) Electrodiagnostic Technician Certification Practice Test

EDT Patient Preparation & Safety 4