OCC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield OCC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The radial pulse is best assessed in a patient with a short arm cast by palpating at the: → Lateral wrist at the base of the thumb
2. Edema assessment before casting is BEST performed by: → Comparing circumference measurements of both extremities
3. A long arm cast is indicated instead of a short arm cast for which type of fracture? → Both-bone forearm fracture (radius and ulna) requiring rotational control
4. A casting record that is incomplete or falsified could result in: → Professional discipline, civil liability, and potential criminal charges
5. A patient reports numbness and tingling in the fingers before cast application. This finding should be: → Documented and reported to the supervising clinician before proceeding
6. A Doppler ultrasound probe is used during neurovascular assessment primarily to: → Detect arterial blood flow when a pulse is not palpable
7. A patient has a known latex allergy. The casting technician should use: → Latex-free gloves and non-latex stockinette
8. After cast removal, which skin finding requires the clinician's evaluation before the patient is discharged? → Open pressure sore or wound
9. What is the primary advantage of fiberglass casting material over plaster? → It is lighter and water-resistant
10. What should be done if a cast technician experiences a needle-stick injury? → Report it and follow post-exposure protocol
11. What is the professional responsibility of a certified orthopedic technician? → Ensure safe and ethical practice
12. Ear protection during cast removal with an oscillating saw is recommended primarily for: → The patient and technician, as prolonged noise can cause discomfort
13. A Jones fracture is located at which anatomical site? → Base of the fifth metatarsal at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction
14. For a pediatric patient with an upper extremity fracture, what thumb position is standard in a thumb spica cast? → Thumb in palmar abduction and slight opposition, as if holding a glass
15. How frequently should neurovascular checks be performed during the first 24 hours after application of a new cast? → Every 1–2 hours
16. When converting a circumferential cast to a bivalved cast for home use, how are the two shells secured? → With an elastic (ACE) bandage wrapped over both halves
17. Which structure connects muscles to bones? → Tendons
18. Which Salter-Harris fracture type passes completely through the physis and is associated with the highest risk of growth disturbance? → Type V (crush injury to the physis)
19. Which combination of findings most strongly suggests adequate neurovascular status in a casted extremity? → Pink, warm digits with capillary refill under 2 seconds and intact sensation
20. Why is it important to use gloves when handling casting material? → To prevent skin irritation and burns
21. Why is hand hygiene essential before and after cast application? → To prevent infection transmission
22. Which information is REQUIRED to be included on every cast application record? → Date, time, type of cast, materials used, neurovascular status, and technician name
23. Which preparatory step reduces skin irritation under the cast? → Applying stockinette smoothly without wrinkles
24. Patient discharge instructions for cast care should be provided in which format? → Both verbal and written instructions
25. Which cast saw blade type is recommended for cutting fiberglass casts? → Fine-toothed oscillating blade designed for synthetic materials
26. Why is it important to assess capillary refill in a casted limb? → To assess circulation
27. If a casting technician observes signs of abuse in a pediatric patient, they are legally obligated to: → Report the suspicion to the appropriate authority per mandatory reporting laws
28. Which sign or symptom is typically the EARLIEST indicator of acute compartment syndrome? → Pain with passive stretch of muscles in the compartment
29. In toddlers and infants, which type of cast is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? → Spica cast
30. Which fracture pattern describes a bone that bends but does not completely break, seen primarily in children? → Greenstick fracture