OCC OCC Patient Assessment & Preparation

Question 1

Before applying a cast, what is the FIRST step in patient assessment?

Accepted Answer

Review neurovascular status distal to the injury

Answer

Select casting material

Answer

Prepare stockinette

Answer

Obtain patient weight

Question 2

Which finding during pre-cast assessment would require IMMEDIATE notification of the supervising clinician?

Accepted Answer

Absent distal pulse

Answer

Minor skin abrasion at the injury site

Answer

Mild soft tissue swelling

Answer

Patient anxiety about the procedure

Question 3

When assessing skin integrity before casting, which condition requires special padding or delay of casting?

Accepted Answer

Open wound or skin breakdown over the cast area

Answer

Dry skin

Answer

Hair on the extremity

Answer

Mild redness from the injury

Question 4

How is capillary refill time assessed in a patient about to receive a cast?

Accepted Answer

Press the nail bed, release, and count seconds until color returns

Answer

Measure blood pressure distally

Answer

Check skin temperature with a thermometer

Answer

Auscultate for distal pulse with a stethoscope

Question 5

Which question is MOST important to ask a patient before cast application regarding allergies?

Accepted Answer

Allergy to latex or plaster

Answer

Allergy to penicillin

Answer

Allergy to contrast dye

Answer

Allergy to shellfish

Question 6

What position should a patient's extremity be in during pre-cast neurovascular assessment?

Accepted Answer

Functional position appropriate for the injury

Answer

Fully extended

Answer

Dependent (hanging down)

Answer

Elevated above heart level only