Free Orthopaedic Technologist Certification 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?

Accepted Answer

lightly brush off dead skin

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

replace the straps with bias-cut wrapping, from the distal end to the proximal end

Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

five

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

cover her skin with a stockinet or elastic tubular bandage (such as Tubigrip)

Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

down towards the chest

Answer

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.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Free Orthopaedic Technologist Certification Questions and Answers