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 patient has a known latex allergy. The casting technician should use: → Latex-free gloves and non-latex stockinette
7. After cast removal, which skin finding requires the clinician's evaluation before the patient is discharged? → Open pressure sore or wound
8. What is the primary advantage of fiberglass casting material over plaster? → It is lighter and water-resistant
9. What should be done if a cast technician experiences a needle-stick injury? → Report it and follow post-exposure protocol
10. What is the professional responsibility of a certified orthopedic technician? → Ensure safe and ethical practice
11. Ear protection during cast removal with an oscillating saw is recommended primarily for: → The patient and technician, as prolonged noise can cause discomfort
12. A Jones fracture is located at which anatomical site? → Base of the fifth metatarsal at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction
13. 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
14. 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
15. Which structure connects muscles to bones? → Tendons
16. 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)
17. Why is it important to use gloves when handling casting material? → To prevent skin irritation and burns
18. Why is hand hygiene essential before and after cast application? → To prevent infection transmission
19. Which information is REQUIRED to be included on every cast application record? → Date, time, type of cast, materials used, neurovascular status, and technician name
20. Which preparatory step reduces skin irritation under the cast? → Applying stockinette smoothly without wrinkles
21. Patient discharge instructions for cast care should be provided in which format? → Both verbal and written instructions
22. Which cast saw blade type is recommended for cutting fiberglass casts? → Fine-toothed oscillating blade designed for synthetic materials
23. Why is it important to assess capillary refill in a casted limb? → To assess circulation
24. 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
25. Which sign or symptom is typically the EARLIEST indicator of acute compartment syndrome? → Pain with passive stretch of muscles in the compartment
26. In toddlers and infants, which type of cast is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? → Spica cast
27. Which fracture pattern describes a bone that bends but does not completely break, seen primarily in children? → Greenstick fracture
28. Which color-coded system is used to guide padding at vulnerable areas in pediatric casts? → There is no color system; anatomy landmarks guide extra padding placement
29. What is the primary contraindication for closed casting of an open (compound) fracture? → High infection risk requires wound management before casting
30. After bivalving, what is the NEXT step to fully relieve circumferential pressure? → Cut and spread the underlying cast padding