OEC Musculoskeletal Injuries & Splinting

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of splinting a fracture in outdoor emergency care?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the injury to prevent further damage and reduce pain

Answer

Splinting immobilizes the injured area to prevent further bone, vessel, and nerve damage while reducing pain and facilitating safe transport.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a classic sign or symptom associated with a fracture?

Accepted Answer

Increased capillary refill time at the injury site only

Answer

Capillary refill time is assessed distally to check circulation but is not itself a classic fracture sign; point tenderness, crepitus, and deformity are hallmark findings.

Question 3

What does performing a distal CSM check evaluate after applying a splint?

Accepted Answer

Circulation, Sensation, and Movement

Answer

CSM stands for Circulation, Sensation, and Movement — the three assessments performed distal to a splint to detect neurovascular compromise.

Question 4

Under what circumstance is straightening an angulated extremity fracture appropriate in OEC practice?

Accepted Answer

When the distal pulse is absent or CSM is compromised

Answer

OEC protocols allow gentle traction and realignment of an angulated fracture when distal circulation, sensation, or movement is compromised to restore perfusion.

Question 5

What is the most critical first step in managing an open (compound) fracture?

Accepted Answer

Control bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile dressing

Answer

Controlling hemorrhage and covering the open wound with a sterile dressing prevents contamination and further blood loss before splinting.

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

OEC Musculoskeletal Injuries & Splinting