Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Cast Complications and Removal Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with a short leg cast for an ankle fracture complains of numbness and a "pins and needles" sensation on the top of their foot, along with difficulty lifting their toes toward their shin.
Which underlying structure is MOST likely being compressed?

Accepted Answer

Peroneal nerve

Answer

Tibial nerve

Answer

Sural nerve

Answer

Saphenous nerve

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST significant factor contributing to thermal injury (burns) to the patient's skin during the application of a plaster cast?

Accepted Answer

Using water that is too hot to dip the plaster

Answer

Applying fewer than 8 layers of plaster

Answer

Molding the cast with the palms instead of the fingers

Answer

Allowing the cast to air dry instead of using a fan

Question 3

To minimize the risk of cutting or burning the patient's skin, what is the proper technique for using an oscillating cast saw?

Accepted Answer

Using a series of short, repeated "in-and-out" pressing motions.

Answer

Dragging the blade along the cast in one continuous motion.

Answer

Angling the blade at 45 degrees to the cast surface.

Answer

Applying a lubricant to the blade before starting the cut.

Question 4

A patient in a hip spica cast for a femur fracture develops severe, cramping abdominal pain, persistent nausea, and bilious vomiting several days after application. These symptoms are MOST indicative of which serious complication?

Accepted Answer

Cast Syndrome (SMA Syndrome)

Answer

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Compartment Syndrome

Answer

Pulmonary Embolism

Question 5

When an Orthopaedic Technologist is instructed to bivalve a cast to relieve pressure, what is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Making two complete longitudinal cuts on opposite sides of the cast.

Answer

Cutting a single small window over the area of pain.

Answer

Making one longitudinal cut and spreading the cast apart.

Answer

Removing only the proximal half of the cast.

Question 6

Following the removal of a long arm cast that was in place for 8 weeks, which of the following is considered a normal and expected finding?

Accepted Answer

Muscle atrophy and dry, scaly skin.

Answer

Severe, pitting edema of the hand and fingers.

Answer

A foul odor with purulent drainage from the skin.

Answer

Complete and immediate return to full range of motion.