CO Emergency Procedures & Response 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 and have the patient rest in a comfortable position

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Seated upright and given oral glucose or juice

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness and normal breathing, then begin CPR if absent

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Administer epinephrine via auto-injector and call 911

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Answer

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the standard first aid protocol for soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains.

(CO) Certified Orthoptist Practice Test

(CO) Certified Orthoptist Practice Test

CO Emergency Procedures & Response 2