Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What should be avoided when conducting a Mantoux test?

1. Creating a large bleb

2. Massaging the site after injection

3. Using sterile needles

4. Documenting the test results

The correct answer is: Massaging the site after injection

The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is designed to determine if a person has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. One important aspect of administering this test is that once the test is injected, the site should not be massaged. Massaging the injection site can cause the tuberculin solution to spread beyond the initial area where it was administered, potentially leading to inaccurate results. It's crucial that the test remains local to ensure proper reaction evaluation. Creating a large bleb is actually part of the proper technique for administering the test, as the formation of a small bleb indicates that the substance has been injected intradermally. The use of sterile needles is essential in preventing infections and ensuring the safety of the procedure, which is standard best practice in medical procedures. Documenting the test results is vital for tracking patient responses and for future medical assessments. Thus, the appropriate action is to avoid massaging the injection site, as it can compromise the integrity of the test and lead to unreliable results.