OCC Complications & Cast Management 2

Question 1

A patient with a long leg cast reports a sudden onset of severe calf pain, warmth, and swelling three days post-application. The most likely complication is:

Accepted Answer

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

DVT commonly presents days after immobilization with calf pain, warmth, and swelling due to venous stasis.

Question 2

When bivalving a cast to relieve pressure, the technician should cut along:

Accepted Answer

Both the medial and lateral sides, then spread the halves

Answer

Bivalving involves cutting both sides of the cast and spreading the halves apart to decompress the limb effectively.

Question 3

A patient returns with a plaster cast that has become soft and dented. The most appropriate action is:

Accepted Answer

Replace the cast immediately

Answer

A soft or dented cast has lost its structural integrity and must be replaced to maintain proper fracture alignment.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes cast syndrome (Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome)?

Accepted Answer

Vascular compression of the duodenum by the SMA causing nausea and vomiting

Answer

Cast syndrome occurs when the SMA compresses the duodenum due to body position in a spica cast, causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Question 5

Which assessment finding would prompt immediate cast removal rather than a bivalve procedure?

Accepted Answer

Compartment pressures exceeding 30 mmHg with limb pallor and pulselessness

Answer

Compartment pressures above 30 mmHg with signs of vascular compromise require emergent fasciotomy after full cast removal.

(OCC) Orthopedic Casting Certification Practice Test

(OCC) Orthopedic Casting Certification Practice Test

OCC Complications & Cast Management 2