Free First Aid Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries Questions and Answers

Question 1

A person falls and their forearm is bent at an unnatural angle and swollen. They are in severe pain. What is the MOST appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the arm in the position it was found and call 911.

Answer

For a suspected severe fracture with deformity, the priority is to prevent further injury by immobilizing the limb as found. Moving or attempting to straighten the limb can damage nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues. This type of injury requires immediate professional medical attention.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key principle when applying a splint to a suspected fracture of the lower leg?

Accepted Answer

The splint should immobilize the joints both above and below the injury.

Answer

To effectively immobilize a fracture, the splint must prevent movement at the nearest joints. For a lower leg fracture, this means immobilizing both the ankle and the knee. This principle prevents the broken bone ends from moving and causing further damage.

Question 3

Which of the following signs MOST clearly indicates a serious musculoskeletal injury that requires calling emergency medical services (911)?

Accepted Answer

A bone fragment protruding through the skin on the forearm.

Answer

A bone protruding through the skin is an open (or compound) fracture. This is a severe injury with a high risk of infection and bleeding, and it requires immediate professional medical care. The other options describe injuries that may need medical attention but are generally less critical than an open fracture.

Question 4

A friend twists their ankle playing soccer. It is painful and starting to swell, but there is no obvious deformity or open wound. What is the most appropriate first aid using the RICE method?

Accepted Answer

Have them Rest, apply a Cold pack, use a bandage for Compression, and Elevate the ankle.

Answer

RICE is a standard first aid mnemonic for soft tissue injuries like sprains. It stands for Rest, Ice (or a cold pack), Compression, and Elevation. This combination helps to reduce swelling, manage pain, and prevent further injury.

Question 5

When providing first aid for an open fracture with a protruding bone, what is the correct way to manage the wound before help arrives?

Accepted Answer

Cover the area with a loose, dry, sterile dressing and control bleeding by applying pressure around the wound.

Answer

For an open fracture, you should not attempt to push the bone back in or clean the wound, as this can cause further damage and introduce infection. The correct procedure is to control any severe bleeding by applying pressure around the injury (not on the bone itself) and cover the wound with a sterile dressing to minimize contamination.

First Aid Practice Test

First Aid Practice Test

Free First Aid Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries Questions and Answers