CO Emergency Procedures & Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient wearing a lower limb orthosis reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath during a fitting session. What is the orthotist's first priority?
- Continue the fitting and monitor the patient
- Call 911 and have the patient rest in a comfortable position (Correct answer)
- Remove the orthosis immediately and send the patient home
- Administer oxygen from the clinic supply
Correct answer: Call 911 and have the patient rest in a comfortable position
Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath are signs of a cardiac or pulmonary emergency requiring immediate activation of EMS.
Question 2: Which position is generally recommended for a conscious patient in diabetic shock (hypoglycemia) who is still alert enough to swallow?
- Supine with legs elevated
- Seated upright and given oral glucose or juice (Correct answer)
- Lateral recovery position
- Prone to prevent aspiration
Correct answer: Seated upright and given oral glucose or juice
An alert hypoglycemic patient who can swallow should be given fast-acting oral carbohydrates while seated to raise blood glucose quickly.
Question 3: During gait training with a new AFO, a patient suddenly becomes pale and loses consciousness. After calling 911, what should the orthotist do next?
- Begin CPR immediately without assessing pulse
- Check for responsiveness and normal breathing, then begin CPR if absent (Correct answer)
- Place the patient in the Trendelenburg position and wait for EMS
- Loosen the orthosis straps only and monitor
Correct answer: Check for responsiveness and normal breathing, then begin CPR if absent
After activating EMS, the responder should check responsiveness and breathing before initiating CPR per standard BLS protocol.
Question 4: An anaphylactic reaction in a patient allergic to latex occurs during orthotic fabrication. Which intervention is most critical?
- Apply topical antihistamine cream to the affected skin
- Administer epinephrine via auto-injector and call 911 (Correct answer)
- Give the patient oral diphenhydramine and observe
- Remove the latex item and apply ice to the contact area
Correct answer: Administer epinephrine via auto-injector and call 911
Anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine administration and activation of EMS because it can be rapidly life-threatening.
Question 5: What does the acronym RICE stand for in musculoskeletal injury first aid?
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (Correct answer)
- Reduce, Immobilize, Cool, Evaluate
- Rest, Immobilize, Circulation check, Elevate
- Reduce swelling, Ice pack, Cast, Exercise
Correct answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the standard first aid protocol for soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains.
Question 6: A pediatric patient with cerebral palsy who uses a KAFO has a seizure in the clinic. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Restrain the patient's limbs to prevent injury
- Clear the area of hazards and protect the head; do not restrain (Correct answer)
- Insert a tongue depressor to prevent tongue biting
- Remove the KAFO immediately during the seizure
Correct answer: Clear the area of hazards and protect the head; do not restrain
During a seizure, the caregiver should clear the surrounding area and cushion the head while never restraining the patient or placing objects in the mouth.
Question 7: When a patient collapses and an AED is available, what step must occur immediately before delivering a shock?
- Confirm the patient is not breathing normally
- Ensure no one is touching the patient (Correct answer)
- Apply CPR for two minutes first
- Check blood pressure with a cuff
Correct answer: Ensure no one is touching the patient
Before delivering an AED shock, the operator must announce and visually confirm that all bystanders are clear to prevent accidental injury.
CO Emergency Procedures & Response 2
A patient wearing a lower limb orthosis reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath during a fitting session.
What is the orthotist's first priority?