OCC Complications & Cast Management 3

Question 1

A patient presents with foul odor and purulent drainage seeping through a 10-day-old cast. The priority intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Remove the cast and assess for wound infection or skin breakdown

Answer

Purulent drainage and odor indicate infection or skin breakdown requiring immediate cast removal and wound assessment.

Question 2

Which technique reduces pressure necrosis risk at bony prominences during cast application?

Accepted Answer

Placing felt or foam padding over prominences before casting

Answer

Felt or foam padding over bony prominences distributes pressure and prevents focal necrosis beneath the cast.

Question 3

A patient with a short arm cast develops redness and blistering at the proximal cast edge. This is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Mechanical pressure sore from a poorly trimmed cast edge

Answer

Blistering and redness localized to the cast edge indicate skin trauma from a rough or inadequately padded border.

Question 4

In a pediatric patient, which complication is uniquely associated with Salter-Harris fractures managed with casting?

Accepted Answer

Growth plate arrest leading to limb length discrepancy

Answer

Damage to the physis (growth plate) can cause premature closure, resulting in angular deformity or limb length discrepancy.

Question 5

A patient reports severe burning pain under the cast starting 2 hours after application. The plaster was mixed with water at approximately 40°C. The most likely explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Thermal burn from exothermic plaster setting reaction potentiated by hot water

Answer

Hot water accelerates plaster setting, intensifying the exothermic reaction and producing temperatures capable of causing burns.

(OCC) Orthopedic Casting Certification Practice Test

(OCC) Orthopedic Casting Certification Practice Test

OCC Complications & Cast Management 3