OCC OCC Documentation & Legal Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Patient discharge instructions for cast care should be provided in which format?
- Both verbal and written instructions (Correct answer)
- Verbal only to save paper
- Written only to save appointment time
- Pictographic instructions only for universal accessibility
Correct answer: Both verbal and written instructions
Both verbal and written instructions ensure patient understanding and provide a reference the patient can consult at home.
Question 2: Which symptom listed in discharge instructions should prompt the patient to seek IMMEDIATE care?
- Increasing pain, numbness, or tingling in the casted extremity (Correct answer)
- Mild itching under the cast after the first day
- Some discomfort at the fracture site with movement
- Slight cast odor after two weeks
Correct answer: Increasing pain, numbness, or tingling in the casted extremity
Worsening pain, numbness, or tingling are warning signs of neurovascular compromise that require urgent evaluation.
Question 3: HIPAA regulations require the casting technician to:
- Protect patient health information and share it only with authorized individuals (Correct answer)
- Post patient casting records in the waiting room for family access
- Share neurovascular findings with the patient's employer upon request
- Retain patient records for at least 30 days only
Correct answer: Protect patient health information and share it only with authorized individuals
HIPAA mandates confidentiality of all patient health information and permits disclosure only with patient authorization or for treatment, payment, and operations.
Question 4: A patient refuses a cast recommended by the physician. The casting technician's role is to:
- Document the refusal and notify the supervising clinician (Correct answer)
- Apply the cast anyway to protect the patient's health
- Discharge the patient immediately without documentation
- Attempt to convince the patient until they agree
Correct answer: Document the refusal and notify the supervising clinician
Competent patients have the right to refuse treatment; the technician must document the refusal and inform the clinician so appropriate follow-up can be arranged.
Question 5: Which scenario represents a reportable incident in a healthcare setting?
- A cast saw laceration of the patient's skin during removal (Correct answer)
- Normal cast drying time during application
- Patient requesting cast removal sooner than planned
- Mild skin dryness found after cast removal
Correct answer: A cast saw laceration of the patient's skin during removal
Any unintended patient injury — such as a saw laceration — is an adverse event that must be documented in the medical record and reported per facility policy.
Question 6: The OCC certification is maintained through:
- Continuing education credits and periodic recertification requirements (Correct answer)
- Annual employment in an orthopedic setting only
- Passing the initial exam once with no further requirements
- Peer review by supervising physicians every 5 years
Correct answer: Continuing education credits and periodic recertification requirements
Certification maintenance requires ongoing continuing education and recertification to ensure competency remains current.
OCC OCC Documentation & Legal Standards 2
Patient discharge instructions for cast care should be provided in which format?