Musculoskeletal Injuries & Splinting Flashcards

A traction splint is most specifically indicated for which injury?

Answer: Closed mid-shaft femur fracture

Traction splints are designed for mid-shaft femur fractures to counteract powerful thigh muscle spasm, reduce blood loss, and relieve pain through sustained longitudinal traction.

A patient twisted their ankle and immediately heard a 'pop,' followed by rapid swelling and inability to bear weight. The most likely injury is:

Answer: Grade III ankle sprain or ligament rupture

An audible pop, immediate significant swelling, and inability to bear weight are hallmarks of a Grade III (complete) ligament tear or severe sprain.

Compartment syndrome should be suspected when a patient reports pain that is:

Answer: Out of proportion to the injury and worsened with passive stretch

Pain disproportionate to the injury severity and dramatically increased with passive stretching of muscles in the affected compartment is the hallmark of developing compartment syndrome.

After reducing a suspected anterior shoulder dislocation is beyond OEC scope, how should OEC Technicians manage the injury in the field?

Answer: Immobilize in the position of comfort using a sling and swathe

OEC Technicians do not reduce joint dislocations; the correct field management is to immobilize the shoulder in the position of comfort with a sling and swathe and transport.

Which finding after splint application requires the OEC Technician to immediately loosen or reapply the splint?

Answer: Absent distal pulse or numbness distal to the splint

Absent distal pulse or new numbness indicates the splint is compressing neurovascular structures and must be loosened immediately to restore perfusion.

What is the recommended field management for a suspected pelvic fracture in an outdoor emergency setting?

Answer: Apply a pelvic binder or improvised circumferential wrap and minimize movement

A pelvic binder or improvised circumferential sheet wrap helps stabilize pelvic ring fractures, reduce internal hemorrhage volume, and minimize movement during transport.

The 'RICE' acronym used for managing soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries stands for:

Answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation — is the standard initial treatment protocol for sprains, strains, and minor soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries.