CFO Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is being fitted for an AFO. Which risk factor should be prioritized during the assessment?
- Muscle weakness
- Compromised distal circulation (Correct answer)
- Limited ankle ROM
- History of falls
Correct answer: Compromised distal circulation
Compromised distal circulation in PAD increases the risk of pressure necrosis and skin breakdown under an orthotic device.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a skin inspection protocol during orthotic follow-up?
- To assess joint range of motion
- To identify pressure areas before skin breakdown occurs (Correct answer)
- To verify alignment of the device
- To evaluate patient gait pattern
Correct answer: To identify pressure areas before skin breakdown occurs
Routine skin inspection allows early identification of redness or irritation before ulceration develops.
Question 3: A patient reports new numbness in their toes after wearing a foot orthosis for two days. What is the most appropriate first action?
- Tell the patient to wear the device less frequently
- Remove the device and inspect for pressure points (Correct answer)
- Recommend over-the-counter pain medication
- Schedule a follow-up in two weeks
Correct answer: Remove the device and inspect for pressure points
Numbness suggests possible nerve compression or vascular compromise, requiring immediate device removal and skin/pressure assessment.
Question 4: Which patient population requires the most cautious risk assessment when fitting a rigid orthosis due to reduced pain sensation?
- Patients with osteoporosis
- Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Correct answer)
- Patients with plantar fasciitis
- Patients with pes planus
Correct answer: Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy impairs pain perception, so patients cannot self-report pressure injuries early, making close monitoring critical.
Question 5: When documenting risk assessment findings for a new orthotic patient, which element is most critical for legal and clinical accountability?
- Patient's insurance information
- Baseline skin condition and neurovascular status (Correct answer)
- Manufacturer's device warranty
- Patient's shoe size
Correct answer: Baseline skin condition and neurovascular status
Documenting baseline skin and neurovascular status establishes a reference point to detect complications and protects clinician liability.
Question 6: A pediatric patient is being fitted for a supramalleolar orthosis (SMO). Which developmental risk factor is most relevant?
- Bone density changes with age
- Rapid growth requiring frequent device reassessment (Correct answer)
- Risk of ligament laxity in adults
- Reduced skin hydration in children
Correct answer: Rapid growth requiring frequent device reassessment
Children grow rapidly, so an SMO that fits well today may become constrictive and cause pressure injury within weeks.
Question 7: Which orthotic design modification best reduces the risk of peroneal nerve compression at the fibular head?
- Adding a metatarsal pad
- Flaring or relieving the proximal trim line (Correct answer)
- Increasing dorsiflexion assist
- Using a softer liner material
Correct answer: Flaring or relieving the proximal trim line
Relieving or flaring the proximal trim line near the fibular head reduces direct pressure on the superficial peroneal nerve.
CFO Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2
A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is being fitted for an AFO.
Which risk factor should be prioritized during the assessment?