First Aid Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sign most strongly suggests a fracture rather than a bruise?
- Skin discoloration
- Localized tenderness directly over the bone (Correct answer)
- General muscle soreness
- Mild swelling
Correct answer: Localized tenderness directly over the bone
Point tenderness directly over a bone on palpation is a hallmark sign of a fracture.
Question 2: A person sustains a knee injury and reports the knee 'locked up' and they cannot straighten it. This suggests:
- Quadriceps strain
- Meniscus tear with fragment entrapment (Correct answer)
- Simple contusion
- Ligament sprain
Correct answer: Meniscus tear with fragment entrapment
A torn meniscus can displace a fragment that mechanically blocks full extension, causing the knee to 'lock.'
Question 3: For a suspected pelvic fracture, the priority first aid action is:
- Have the patient walk to assess stability
- Apply a pelvic binder or improvised wrap and call 911 (Correct answer)
- Elevate both legs to 45 degrees
- Apply ice packs to both hips
Correct answer: Apply a pelvic binder or improvised wrap and call 911
Pelvic fractures can cause life-threatening internal bleeding; stabilizing the pelvis with a binder reduces blood loss until EMS arrives.
Question 4: The 'R' in the RICE method stands for:
- Reduce
- Rest (Correct answer)
- Rotate
- Repeat
Correct answer: Rest
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation — the foundational first aid approach for soft tissue injuries.
Question 5: A construction worker drops a heavy beam on his foot. Which assessment finding would most concern you?
- Bruising across the top of the foot
- Toes that are pale, cold, and pulseless (Correct answer)
- Mild swelling of the big toe
- Pain with walking
Correct answer: Toes that are pale, cold, and pulseless
Pale, cold, and pulseless toes indicate compromised circulation, which is a limb-threatening emergency.
Question 6: What is the most appropriate improvised splint material in a wilderness setting?
- A wet cloth wrapped alone
- Rigid sticks or branches padded with clothing (Correct answer)
- Duct tape directly on skin
- A loose bandana tied at the fracture site only
Correct answer: Rigid sticks or branches padded with clothing
Rigid materials such as sticks, padded with soft cloth, can effectively immobilize a fracture when commercial splints are unavailable.
Question 7: Compartment syndrome is a serious complication characterized by:
- Decreased swelling over time after injury
- Severe pain with passive stretching of muscles in a tight compartment (Correct answer)
- Bruising limited to the skin surface
- Immediate relief after ice application
Correct answer: Severe pain with passive stretching of muscles in a tight compartment
Compartment syndrome causes pressure buildup inside a muscle compartment; passive muscle stretching exacerbates the pain dramatically.
First Aid Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries 3
Which sign most strongly suggests a fracture rather than a bruise?