Cupping Therapy Practice Exam

If a patient has a large blister from using fire cupping, what should be done according to CAM?

1. Puncture the blister

2. Puncture drain the blister and apply a dressing

3. Do not apply any treatment on the blister

4. Put a dressing over the blister

The correct answer is: Puncture drain the blister and apply a dressing

In the context of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), the appropriate response to a large blister resulting from fire cupping involves puncturing and draining the blister, followed by the application of a dressing. This approach is grounded in the principles of proper wound care and the management of blisters. Draining a large blister helps to relieve pressure and can prevent further discomfort or complications, such as infection. By allowing the fluid to escape, the healing process can proceed more smoothly. Once the blister is drained, applying a dressing serves to protect the area, keeping it clean and promoting healing while also minimizing the risk of further irritation or injury. The other approaches lack the necessary care that a large blister requires. Simply puncturing the blister without applying a dressing might not provide adequate protection for the wound and could lead to increased exposure to pathogens. Choosing not to treat the blister at all could result in prolonged pain and a higher chance of infection. Covering the blister with a dressing without first draining it does not address the pressure that the fluid buildup causes and might not effectively contribute to healing. Each of these alternatives fails to encompass the comprehensive care necessary for managing a blister of this size after fire cupping treatment.