Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

A Quincke needle is designed to be sharp and is likely to cause what risk to the provider?

1. Minimal risk of injury

2. Burn injury

3. Needle stick injury

4. Allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Needle stick injury

The Quincke needle is a specialized type of spinal needle that is indeed designed to be sharp, which enhances its ability to penetrate tissue effectively. This design, while beneficial for medical procedures such as spinal taps or epidurals, also inherently increases the risk of a needle stick injury to the provider. Needle stick injuries can occur if the provider inadvertently pricks themselves with the needle during handling, particularly in situations where dexterity is required or when manipulating the needle near sensitive areas. In clinical practice, providers are always cautioned about the potential for needle stick injuries, as these incidents can lead to serious complications, including transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, understanding that a sharp needle like the Quincke needle presents a clear and identifiable risk highlights the importance of safety protocols when using such instruments in a clinical setting. While minimal risk of injury could be perceived as a consideration, it does not accurately reflect the accepted safety concerns surrounding sharp needles. Burn injuries are associated with other types of equipment, and allergic reactions typically arise from materials or medications rather than needle interactions. Thus, recognizing the specific risk associated with the sharp design of the Quincke needle directly points to the likelihood of needle stick injuries, affirming the reasoning behind the correct choice.