Maryland Acupuncturist Licensing Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A 42-year-old patient presents to an acupuncture clinic in Maryland
complaining of chronic lumbar pain that has persisted for more than
eight months following a workplace lifting injury. The acupuncturist
performs a comprehensive intake, including medical history,
medication review, and evaluation of red flag symptoms. During the
examination, the patient reports intermittent saddle anesthesia and
recent urinary incontinence that developed over the past two days.
According to safe clinical practice standards and professional
obligations expected of a Maryland licensed acupuncturist, what is the
MOST appropriate next action?
A. Begin electroacupuncture immediately to relieve lumbar muscle spasm
B. Continue treatment but avoid needling the lumbar paraspinal region
C. Refer the patient for urgent medical evaluation before providing
acupuncture treatment
D. Treat only distal meridian points to avoid aggravating neurological
symptoms
C. Refer the patient for urgent medical evaluation before providing
acupuncture treatment
Rationale: Saddle anesthesia and urinary incontinence associated with
back pain may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which constitutes a
medical emergency requiring immediate referral. A licensed acupuncturist
,must recognize red flag symptoms and prioritize patient safety through
prompt referral rather than delaying evaluation with acupuncture
treatment.
2. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the Liver is most directly
associated with which of the following primary physiological
functions?
A. Governing water metabolism and fluid excretion
B. Controlling transportation and transformation of food essence
C. Ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body
D. Receiving and ripening ingested food
C. Ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body
Rationale: In traditional Chinese medicine, the Liver is responsible for
maintaining the smooth flow of Qi and emotions throughout the body.
Dysfunction of Liver Qi commonly results in emotional disturbances, pain
syndromes, menstrual irregularities, and digestive disruption.
3. A Maryland acupuncturist is preparing to perform cupping therapy on
a patient with chronic upper back tension. Before treatment, the
patient discloses that they are currently taking warfarin for atrial
fibrillation. Which consideration is MOST important for the
practitioner?
A. Cupping is contraindicated in all cardiovascular disorders
B. Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of bruising and bleeding
C. Glass cups should be replaced with silicone cups in all cases
D. Wet cupping is preferred over dry cupping in anticoagulated patients
B. Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of bruising and bleeding
Rationale: Patients taking anticoagulants such as warfarin are at increased
risk for bruising and bleeding during acupuncture and cupping procedures.
The practitioner must modify treatment appropriately, obtain informed
consent, and exercise additional caution to minimize complications.
, 4. Which of the following extraordinary vessels is known as the “Sea of
Yin” in traditional Chinese medicine?
A. Du Mai
B. Dai Mai
C. Yang Qiao Mai
D. Ren Mai
D. Ren Mai
Rationale: The Ren Mai, or Conception Vessel, is referred to as the “Sea of
Yin” because it strongly influences all yin channels of the body and plays a
critical role in reproductive and gynecological regulation.
5. During clean needle technique preparation, an acupuncturist
accidentally touches the shaft of a sterile disposable needle with an
ungloved hand before insertion. What is the MOST appropriate
action?
A. Wipe the needle with alcohol and proceed
B. Insert the needle if the patient consents
C. Replace the contaminated needle with a new sterile needle
D. Immerse the needle in disinfectant solution before use
C. Replace the contaminated needle with a new sterile needle
Rationale: Once a sterile needle shaft has been contaminated by direct
contact, it must be discarded immediately and replaced. Proper clean
needle technique requires maintaining sterility throughout the insertion
process to prevent infection transmission.
6. A patient presents with fatigue, spontaneous sweating, weak voice,
and recurrent colds. The tongue is pale and the pulse is weak. Which
traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis is MOST consistent with this
presentation?
, A. Liver Yang Rising
B. Qi and Blood Stagnation
C. Lung Qi Deficiency
D. Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
C. Lung Qi Deficiency
Rationale: Lung Qi Deficiency commonly presents with fatigue,
spontaneous sweating, weak voice, susceptibility to respiratory infections,
and weak pulse findings. The Lungs govern Qi and defensive Wei Qi,
making deficiency patterns associated with reduced immunity and
respiratory weakness.
7. Which acupuncture point is classified as the Yuan-Source point of the
Large Intestine channel?
A. LI4
B. LI10
C. LI11
D. LI15
A. LI4
Rationale: LI4, Hegu, is the Yuan-Source point of the Large Intestine
meridian and is widely used for pain, headaches, immune support, and
disorders affecting the face and head. Yuan-Source points are important
for regulating their associated zang-fu organs.
8. A practitioner inserts a needle too deeply in the upper thoracic region
near the apex of the lung, resulting in sudden chest pain and shortness
of breath. Which complication should the practitioner suspect FIRST?
A. Hemothorax
B. Pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Vasovagal syncope
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A 42-year-old patient presents to an acupuncture clinic in Maryland
complaining of chronic lumbar pain that has persisted for more than
eight months following a workplace lifting injury. The acupuncturist
performs a comprehensive intake, including medical history,
medication review, and evaluation of red flag symptoms. During the
examination, the patient reports intermittent saddle anesthesia and
recent urinary incontinence that developed over the past two days.
According to safe clinical practice standards and professional
obligations expected of a Maryland licensed acupuncturist, what is the
MOST appropriate next action?
A. Begin electroacupuncture immediately to relieve lumbar muscle spasm
B. Continue treatment but avoid needling the lumbar paraspinal region
C. Refer the patient for urgent medical evaluation before providing
acupuncture treatment
D. Treat only distal meridian points to avoid aggravating neurological
symptoms
C. Refer the patient for urgent medical evaluation before providing
acupuncture treatment
Rationale: Saddle anesthesia and urinary incontinence associated with
back pain may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which constitutes a
medical emergency requiring immediate referral. A licensed acupuncturist
,must recognize red flag symptoms and prioritize patient safety through
prompt referral rather than delaying evaluation with acupuncture
treatment.
2. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the Liver is most directly
associated with which of the following primary physiological
functions?
A. Governing water metabolism and fluid excretion
B. Controlling transportation and transformation of food essence
C. Ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body
D. Receiving and ripening ingested food
C. Ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body
Rationale: In traditional Chinese medicine, the Liver is responsible for
maintaining the smooth flow of Qi and emotions throughout the body.
Dysfunction of Liver Qi commonly results in emotional disturbances, pain
syndromes, menstrual irregularities, and digestive disruption.
3. A Maryland acupuncturist is preparing to perform cupping therapy on
a patient with chronic upper back tension. Before treatment, the
patient discloses that they are currently taking warfarin for atrial
fibrillation. Which consideration is MOST important for the
practitioner?
A. Cupping is contraindicated in all cardiovascular disorders
B. Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of bruising and bleeding
C. Glass cups should be replaced with silicone cups in all cases
D. Wet cupping is preferred over dry cupping in anticoagulated patients
B. Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of bruising and bleeding
Rationale: Patients taking anticoagulants such as warfarin are at increased
risk for bruising and bleeding during acupuncture and cupping procedures.
The practitioner must modify treatment appropriately, obtain informed
consent, and exercise additional caution to minimize complications.
, 4. Which of the following extraordinary vessels is known as the “Sea of
Yin” in traditional Chinese medicine?
A. Du Mai
B. Dai Mai
C. Yang Qiao Mai
D. Ren Mai
D. Ren Mai
Rationale: The Ren Mai, or Conception Vessel, is referred to as the “Sea of
Yin” because it strongly influences all yin channels of the body and plays a
critical role in reproductive and gynecological regulation.
5. During clean needle technique preparation, an acupuncturist
accidentally touches the shaft of a sterile disposable needle with an
ungloved hand before insertion. What is the MOST appropriate
action?
A. Wipe the needle with alcohol and proceed
B. Insert the needle if the patient consents
C. Replace the contaminated needle with a new sterile needle
D. Immerse the needle in disinfectant solution before use
C. Replace the contaminated needle with a new sterile needle
Rationale: Once a sterile needle shaft has been contaminated by direct
contact, it must be discarded immediately and replaced. Proper clean
needle technique requires maintaining sterility throughout the insertion
process to prevent infection transmission.
6. A patient presents with fatigue, spontaneous sweating, weak voice,
and recurrent colds. The tongue is pale and the pulse is weak. Which
traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis is MOST consistent with this
presentation?
, A. Liver Yang Rising
B. Qi and Blood Stagnation
C. Lung Qi Deficiency
D. Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
C. Lung Qi Deficiency
Rationale: Lung Qi Deficiency commonly presents with fatigue,
spontaneous sweating, weak voice, susceptibility to respiratory infections,
and weak pulse findings. The Lungs govern Qi and defensive Wei Qi,
making deficiency patterns associated with reduced immunity and
respiratory weakness.
7. Which acupuncture point is classified as the Yuan-Source point of the
Large Intestine channel?
A. LI4
B. LI10
C. LI11
D. LI15
A. LI4
Rationale: LI4, Hegu, is the Yuan-Source point of the Large Intestine
meridian and is widely used for pain, headaches, immune support, and
disorders affecting the face and head. Yuan-Source points are important
for regulating their associated zang-fu organs.
8. A practitioner inserts a needle too deeply in the upper thoracic region
near the apex of the lung, resulting in sudden chest pain and shortness
of breath. Which complication should the practitioner suspect FIRST?
A. Hemothorax
B. Pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Vasovagal syncope
