Free Orthopaedic Technologist Certification Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fresh leg cast must be put on a patient. When the original cast is taken off, dead, scaly skin is left on the skin's surface. Should the orthopaedic technician?
- lightly brush off dead skin (Correct answer)
- leave the skin untouched
- gentky wash the skin
- brush the skin and apply oil
Correct answer: lightly brush off dead skin
After a cast is removed, it is common for dead, scaly skin to accumulate on the skin's surface. The recommended first course of action for an orthopaedic technician is to lightly brush off this dead skin. This gentle removal helps to prevent irritation, promote skin hygiene, and prepare the skin for normal function without causing damage or excessive dryness.
Question 2: A patient's wrist and forearm are both in splints, but there is window edema between the straps that hold them in place. Which of the following is the recommended first course of action in addition to elevating the extremity?
- apply water straps to better distribute the force
- leave the straps loose until the edema subsides
- replace the straps with bias-cut wrapping, from the distal end to the proximal end (Correct answer)
- remove the splint until the edema subsides
Correct answer: replace the straps with bias-cut wrapping, from the distal end to the proximal end
Window edema indicates localized swelling due to uneven pressure from the splint's straps. While elevation helps, the most effective first step to better distribute pressure and reduce edema is to replace the constrictive straps with bias-cut wrapping. This wrapping technique, applied from the distal (further from the body) to the proximal (closer to the body) end, provides more uniform compression and promotes venous return, thereby alleviating swelling.
Question 3: The occupational technologist should count how many major reflexes when assessing the musculoskeletal system.
- six
- five (Correct answer)
- four
- three
Correct answer: five
When assessing the musculoskeletal system, an orthopaedic technologist typically evaluates five major deep tendon reflexes. These include the biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, patellar (knee-jerk), and Achilles (ankle-jerk) reflexes. Assessing these reflexes helps to evaluate the integrity of specific spinal nerve roots and the peripheral nervous system.
Question 4: A patient is required to wear a wrist immobilization splint, however as the patient movements her fingers and elbow, the splint frequently migrates. Which of the following first steps is recommended to lessen friction and migration?
- cover her skin with a stockinet or elastic tubular bandage (such as Tubigrip) (Correct answer)
- Increase the number of straps securing the splint
- Tighten the straps securing the splint.
- change the size of the splint
Correct answer: cover her skin with a stockinet or elastic tubular bandage (such as Tubigrip)
Splint migration often occurs due to friction between the skin and the splint material, or inadequate securing. To lessen friction and prevent migration, covering the patient's skin with a stockinet or an elastic tubular bandage (like Tubigrip) provides a smooth, low-friction interface. This helps the splint stay in place more effectively without needing to overtighten straps, which could cause pressure issues.
Question 5: When using a head halter to apply cervical skin traction, the traction should pull the chin.
- into a neutral positin
- down towards the chest (Correct answer)
- backward
- upward
Correct answer: down towards the chest
When applying cervical skin traction with a head halter, the traction force should be directed to pull the chin downwards towards the chest. This specific positioning induces a slight flexion of the cervical spine. This flexion helps to decompress the cervical vertebrae, reduce muscle spasms, and alleviate pressure on nerve roots, promoting healing and pain relief.
Question 6: Which test is specifically used to determine the danger of falls when the orthopaedic technologist evaluates an elderly patient's functional ability?
- Functional Ability Rating Scale
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
- Ktaz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale
- Timed Up and Go (TUG) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Timed Up and Go (TUG)
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a widely recognized and validated screening tool specifically designed to assess an elderly patient's functional mobility and risk of falls. It measures the time it takes for a patient to stand from a chair, walk three meters, turn, walk back, and sit down, providing a quick and reliable indicator of balance and gait impairment.
Question 7: The hip and repair patient is at danger because of the fracture bed position.
- pressure to genitalia (Correct answer)
- diminished lung capacity
- sliding and shearing
- back strain
Correct answer: pressure to genitalia
Patients with hip fractures often require specific bed positioning, such as maintaining leg abduction with pillows or specialized devices, to ensure proper alignment and healing. This positioning can inadvertently create sustained pressure on the perineal area or genitalia, increasing the risk of skin breakdown, discomfort, or pressure injuries in this sensitive region.
Free Orthopaedic Technologist Certification Questions and Answers
A fresh leg cast must be put on a patient.
When the original cast is taken off, dead, scaly skin is left on the skin's surface.
Should the orthopaedic technician?