CO Patient Safety & Risk Management 3

Question 1

A patient using a KAFO for spastic cerebral palsy develops a deep tissue injury near the patellar tendon bar. Which risk factor most directly contributed to this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Excessive localized pressure combined with shear forces

Answer

Deep tissue injuries beneath orthotic components are primarily caused by sustained high-pressure and shear forces at bony or soft tissue interfaces, particularly in patients with altered sensation.

Question 2

When a pediatric patient with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) presents for orthotic management, the orthotist should modify standard clinical practice by:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding all contact forces during casting and fitting to minimize fracture risk

Answer

Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta are at high risk for fractures from minimal force; casting, fitting, and adjustments must use extremely gentle, minimal-force techniques.

Question 3

An orthotist receives a referral to fabricate a cervical orthosis for a patient with an acute unstable cervical fracture. The orthosis has not yet been fabricated. During an interim evaluation visit, the patient removes their current cervical collar without assistance. The orthotist's priority action is:

Accepted Answer

Quickly reapply the collar and contact the referring physician

Answer

Unauthorized removal of a cervical collar in a patient with an unstable fracture poses immediate risk of spinal cord injury; the collar must be reapplied and the physician notified urgently.

Question 4

Which of the following OSHA standards is most directly applicable to an orthotics practitioner's risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

Answer

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) specifically addresses employer and employee responsibilities for preventing occupational exposure to HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.

Question 5

A patient with a history of latex allergy is being fitted for a silicone suspension liner. The orthotist should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Confirm with the manufacturer that the liner contains no latex or latex-derived components

Answer

Even products marketed as latex-free may contain trace latex components or cross-reactive proteins; verifying with the manufacturer is essential before using any product on a latex-allergic patient.

(CO) Certified Orthoptist Practice Test

(CO) Certified Orthoptist Practice Test

CO Patient Safety & Risk Management 3