CO Patient Care, Fitting & Follow-Up Procedures 4

Question 1

A patient fitted with a functional fracture brace (patella tendon bearing orthosis) for a tibial fracture asks when weight-bearing is appropriate. The orthotist should:

Accepted Answer

Follow the weight-bearing status prescribed by the treating physician

Answer

Weight-bearing status for fracture bracing is determined by the treating physician and must be communicated to the patient by the orthotist accordingly.

Question 2

During a pediatric orthotic evaluation, the parent asks the orthotist to make clinical decisions about the child's diagnosis. The orthotist should:

Accepted Answer

Explain that diagnosis is outside the orthotist's scope and refer the parent to the physician

Answer

Diagnosis is outside the orthotist's scope of practice; the orthotist should acknowledge the concern and direct the family to the prescribing physician.

Question 3

When fitting a supramalleolar orthosis (SMO) on a pediatric patient, the primary biomechanical goal is to:

Accepted Answer

Control hindfoot valgus and improve mediolateral stability during standing and walking

Answer

The SMO is designed to control hindfoot valgus and improve mediolateral stability without significantly restricting sagittal plane ankle motion.

Question 4

A patient returns 3 months after delivery of a custom elbow orthosis reporting that the device no longer fits correctly. The MOST likely explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Normal limb volume changes that alter fit over time

Answer

Limb volume fluctuates due to edema changes, muscle atrophy or strengthening, and weight change, commonly causing fit problems at follow-up.

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate method for documenting patient progress at an orthotic follow-up visit?

Accepted Answer

Standardized outcome measures, gait observations, and skin inspection findings recorded in the patient chart

Answer

Thorough chart documentation using standardized outcome measures, objective gait findings, and skin inspection results supports continuity of care and legal accountability.

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

CO Patient Care, Fitting & Follow-Up Procedures 4