EDT Patient Preparation & Safety 5

Question 1

During nerve conduction studies, repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) at 3 Hz is being performed. The patient develops significant anxiety and requests to stop. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Pause immediately, reassess patient tolerance, explain the procedure again, and resume only with consent

Answer

Patients have the right to withdraw consent at any time; pausing to address concerns and re-obtaining agreement respects patient autonomy and maintains trust.

Question 2

What is the primary reason for instructing a patient to remove all metal jewelry and watches before an electrodiagnostic study?

Accepted Answer

Metal can concentrate electrical current and cause skin burns or arcing at the contact site

Answer

Metal objects can concentrate electrical current at contact points with skin, potentially causing focal burns or discomfort, particularly near the stimulation site.

Question 3

A technician is about to perform H-reflex studies and notes the patient's record indicates a history of DVT in the same leg. What is the safest approach?

Accepted Answer

Consult with the referring physician before applying pressure from electrode straps or positioning maneuvers to the affected limb

Answer

Pressure from electrode straps or limb positioning could theoretically dislodge a thrombus; notifying the referring physician to clarify safety constraints is the appropriate step before proceeding.

Question 4

Which infection control practice is specifically required when performing needle EMG on an immunocompromised patient (e.g., post-chemotherapy)?

Accepted Answer

Strict sterile technique including sterile gloves and an antiseptic skin wipe at each insertion site

Answer

Immunocompromised patients face heightened infection risk from needle insertion; antiseptic skin preparation and sterile gloves at each site minimize the risk of introducing skin flora into deeper tissues.

Question 5

When evaluating electrode impedance before beginning a study, which impedance value indicates adequately prepared skin for high-quality nerve conduction recordings?

Accepted Answer

Below 5 kΩ, with electrodes balanced within 1 kΩ of each other

Answer

Inter-electrode impedance below 5 kΩ with balanced electrodes minimizes common-mode noise rejection errors and ensures high signal-to-noise ratio.

(EDT) Electrodiagnostic Technician Certification Practice Test

(EDT) Electrodiagnostic Technician Certification Practice Test

EDT Patient Preparation & Safety 5