OEC Musculoskeletal Injuries & Splinting 2

Question 1

A traction splint is most specifically indicated for which injury?

Accepted Answer

Closed mid-shaft femur fracture

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Grade III ankle sprain or ligament rupture

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Out of proportion to the injury and worsened with passive stretch

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Immobilize in the position of comfort using a sling and swathe

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Absent distal pulse or numbness distal to the splint

Answer

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

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

OEC Musculoskeletal Injuries & Splinting 2