CO Emergency Procedures & Response 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a contraindication to placing an orthotic patient in the Trendelenburg (legs elevated) position after syncope?
- Suspected spinal injury (Correct answer)
- Dehydration-related fainting
- Vasovagal syncope
- Heat exhaustion
Correct answer: Suspected spinal injury
Trendelenburg position is contraindicated when a spinal injury is suspected because moving the patient could worsen neurological damage.
Question 2: A patient with a transtibial prosthesis residual limb develops signs of severe infection (redness, warmth, swelling, fever). What is the correct orthotist response?
- Adjust the socket fit and schedule a follow-up in two weeks
- Refer immediately to the prescribing physician or emergency care (Correct answer)
- Apply an antiseptic dressing and continue use of the device
- Recommend over-the-counter antibiotics and monitor at home
Correct answer: Refer immediately to the prescribing physician or emergency care
Signs of systemic infection or serious local infection require immediate medical referral because delayed treatment can lead to sepsis or tissue loss.
Question 3: During a home visit to deliver a custom orthosis, the orthotist finds an elderly patient who is unresponsive and not breathing. What is the correct sequence of actions?
- Administer rescue breaths only until EMS arrives
- Call 911, begin CPR, and use AED if available (Correct answer)
- Reposition the patient and wait five minutes for spontaneous breathing
- Drive the patient to the hospital immediately
Correct answer: Call 911, begin CPR, and use AED if available
For an unresponsive, non-breathing person, the chain of survival begins with activating EMS followed by immediate CPR and defibrillation.
Question 4: A child fitted with a TLSO reports that the brace caused a skin pressure sore that has become an open wound with foul odor. What should the orthotist do?
- Apply padding over the wound and continue TLSO use
- Document the wound, discontinue brace use, and refer to the physician (Correct answer)
- Clean the wound and refit the brace the same day
- Prescribe a topical antibiotic and follow up in one month
Correct answer: Document the wound, discontinue brace use, and refer to the physician
An open, malodorous wound requires discontinuation of the device, proper documentation, and prompt medical referral for wound management.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of maintaining an emergency action plan (EAP) in an orthotics clinic?
- To satisfy insurance billing requirements
- To ensure all staff know their roles and response steps during a medical emergency (Correct answer)
- To document patient consent for emergency treatment
- To list the medications stocked in the clinic
Correct answer: To ensure all staff know their roles and response steps during a medical emergency
An EAP defines staff roles, communication steps, and protocols so that emergencies are managed efficiently and effectively.
Question 6: An orthotist is fabricating a thermoplastic component when a fire breaks out in the heating oven. Which fire extinguisher class is appropriate for this type of fire?
- Class A (ordinary combustibles)
- Class B (flammable liquids)
- Class C (electrical equipment)
- Class A or B, depending on what is burning (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class A or B, depending on what is burning
Thermoplastic materials can constitute ordinary combustibles (Class A), but if flammable liquids or solvents are involved, Class B applies; an ABC extinguisher covers both.
Question 7: When should an orthotist perform a fall-risk screen for a new outpatient receiving a lower extremity orthosis?
- Only if the patient reports a history of falls
- At the initial evaluation and before each gait training session (Correct answer)
- Only when the patient is elderly (over 65)
- After the orthosis is delivered and worn for 30 days
Correct answer: At the initial evaluation and before each gait training session
Fall-risk screening should occur at intake and be re-assessed prior to gait training sessions because new orthotic devices can alter balance and gait mechanics.
CO Emergency Procedures & Response 3
Which of the following is a contraindication to placing an orthotic patient in the Trendelenburg (legs elevated) position after syncope?