Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries Flashcards

A hiker falls and reports pain and swelling at the ankle but can still bear some weight. What should you suspect?

Answer: Sprain

A sprain (ligament tear) often allows partial weight bearing and presents with pain and swelling around a joint.

When splinting a suspected forearm fracture, the splint should immobilize:

Answer: The joint above and below the fracture

Proper splinting requires immobilizing the joints above and below the fracture to prevent movement at the injury site.

A child falls off a bike and you suspect a collarbone (clavicle) fracture. The best first aid position is:

Answer: Support the arm on the injured side with a sling

A sling supports the weight of the arm and reduces stress on the fractured clavicle.

What is the primary danger of an open (compound) fracture compared to a closed fracture?

Answer: Risk of infection

An open fracture breaks through the skin, creating a direct pathway for bacteria to enter and cause serious infection.

You suspect someone has dislocated their shoulder. You should:

Answer: Immobilize in the position found and seek emergency care

Attempting to reduce a dislocation without training can cause further damage to nerves and blood vessels; immobilize and transport.

A runner complains of sudden, severe calf pain and cannot plantarflex the foot. This most likely indicates:

Answer: Achilles tendon rupture

A sudden snap with inability to plantarflex and severe calf pain are classic signs of Achilles tendon rupture.

During ice application for a musculoskeletal injury, you should:

Answer: Limit application to 20 minutes at a time

Ice should be applied for no more than 20 minutes at a time to prevent frostbite and allow tissue recovery.