CNT – CCAHM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | NEW UPDATE 2025

CNT – CCAHM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | NEW
UPDATE 2025


Question 1
To minimize the risk of pneumothorax when needling points on the upper back and chest, what
is the safest insertion technique?
A) Inserted perpendicularly
B) Inserted up to the handle
C) Inserted obliquely
D) Documented in your needle count
Correct Answer: C) Inserted obliquely
Rationale: A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, is a serious risk when needling over the lung
fields. Inserting the needle at an oblique (slanted) angle, rather than perpendicularly (straight
in), directs the needle tip away from the delicate pleural lining and the lung itself,
dramatically reducing the risk of puncture.

Question 2
Pain at the needle insertion site can sometimes be caused by failing to let the alcohol dry
completely before needling.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: A) TRUE
Rationale: Alcohol is used to disinfect the skin, but it can be an irritant if it enters the tissue
below the skin's surface. When a needle is inserted through wet alcohol, it can carry some of
the liquid into the puncture site, causing a stinging or burning sensation and localized pain for
the patient.

Question 3
In the United States, pneumothorax occurs at a rate of approximately 1 per 1,000 acupuncture
visits.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE

,Correct Answer: B) FALSE
Rationale: While pneumothorax is a serious risk to be aware of, it is an extremely rare adverse
event when proper needling techniques are followed. The actual rate is far lower than 1 per
1,000 visits, making it a severe but highly infrequent occurrence in clinical practice.

Question 4
Acupuncture should never be performed on a patient taking anticoagulant medications due to
the excessively high risk of bleeding.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: B) FALSE
Rationale: While caution is necessary, taking anticoagulants is a precaution, not an absolute
contraindication. Acupuncturists can safely needle these patients by using thinner needles,
more superficial insertion, and avoiding aggressive techniques. Applying pressure after needle
removal is also crucial to prevent bruising or bleeding.

Question 5
Severe adverse events resulting from acupuncture needling are exceptionally rare.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: A) TRUE
Rationale: When performed by a trained professional following Clean Needle Technique and
safety protocols, acupuncture is remarkably safe. The vast majority of adverse events are
minor and transient, such as minor bleeding, bruising, or dizziness. Severe events like organ
puncture or major infection are statistically very uncommon.

Question 6
Needles from multi-packs can be used for more than one patient, provided they are all used
within 30 minutes of opening the package.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE

,Correct Answer: B) FALSE
Rationale: This is a critical safety violation. Once a needle is used on a patient, it is
contaminated and must be immediately discarded in a sharps container. Needles, regardless
of their packaging, are strictly single-use on a single patient to prevent the transmission of
bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents.

Question 7
Clean Needle Technique (CNT) mandates that new table paper and fresh drapes or sheets be
used for every patient.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: A) TRUE
Rationale: This practice is essential for preventing cross-contamination between patients.
Linens and paper that have been in contact with a previous patient's skin, hair, or clothing are
considered contaminated. Providing fresh coverings for each patient is a fundamental
component of maintaining a hygienic treatment environment.

Question 8
A critical step in clean needle technique is washing your hands immediately before inserting
needles.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: A) TRUE
Rationale: Hand washing is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of
pathogens. Even if hands were washed upon entering the room, they may have become re-
contaminated by touching surfaces. Washing them again immediately before touching the
sterile needle and the patient's prepared skin is a crucial step to prevent infection.

Question 9
What is the first and most important step to take when a patient begins to experience needle
faintness (vasovagal response)?

, A) Remove all the needles.
B) Have the patient walk around.
C) Give the patient warm water.
D) Strongly stimulate the points currently in use.
Correct Answer: A) Remove all the needles.
Rationale: Needle faintness is caused by the stimulation of the needles. The immediate
priority is to remove the stimulus that is causing the reaction. Once the needles are out, the
practitioner can then attend to the patient by having them lie down, elevating their feet, and
ensuring their comfort and safety.

Question 10
Patients with neuropathies due to "excess conditions" are at a higher risk for moxa burns.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: B) FALSE
Rationale: The risk is higher for patients with neuropathies due to deficiency conditions (such
as diabetic neuropathy). These conditions can cause a loss of sensation, meaning the patient
may not be able to accurately feel how hot the moxa is and could be severely burned without
realizing it.

Question 11
In the event of a burn from any type of moxibustion, the absolute first step in first aid is to cool
the affected area with water.
A) TRUE
B) FALSE
Correct Answer: A) TRUE
Rationale: The immediate priority for any thermal burn is to stop the burning process and
minimize tissue damage. Applying cool running water to the burn for several minutes is the
most effective way to dissipate heat from the skin and reduce the severity of the injury.