EMG Risk Management & Mitigation 3

Question 1

When performing EMG on a patient with known HIV/AIDS, which precaution is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Wearing double gloves and using standard precautions with single-use needles

Answer

Standard (universal) precautions with single-use disposable needles and appropriate PPE protect both the technician and patient regardless of HIV status.

Question 2

A patient develops a rapidly expanding hematoma at an EMG needle site in the antecubital fossa. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Apply direct pressure, hold the study, and assess neurovascular status

Answer

Expanding hematomas in the antecubital fossa can compress the median nerve or brachial artery; direct pressure and neurovascular assessment are immediate priorities.

Question 3

Which of the following represents a failure of the 'timeout' or pre-procedure verification process in EMG?

Accepted Answer

Proceeding with the study before verifying the clinical indication

Answer

Performing the study without verifying the clinical indication risks performing an unnecessary or inappropriate procedure and constitutes a failure of the pre-procedure safety check.

Question 4

During electrical stimulation for nerve conduction studies, what patient safety risk is specifically associated with stimulating over broken or macerated skin?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of electrical burns and pain due to reduced skin resistance

Answer

Broken skin dramatically lowers electrical resistance, concentrating current density and increasing the risk of electrical burns and disproportionate pain.

Question 5

A patient scheduled for lumbar paraspinal EMG discloses they had posterior lumbar spinal fusion surgery 3 weeks ago. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Postpone paraspinal needle examination until surgical healing is adequate, typically 3–6 months

Answer

Needle insertion into recently operated paraspinal tissue risks infection, wound disruption, and hemorrhage; postponing until adequate healing is the safest approach.

(EMG) Electromyography Certification Practice Test

(EMG) Electromyography Certification Practice Test

EMG Risk Management & Mitigation 3