Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Wound Care and Soft Tissue Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which classification system is the international standard for staging pressure injuries by depth of tissue involvement?
- Wagner classification
- NPIAP/EPUAP pressure injury classification (Correct answer)
- Gustilo-Anderson classification
- Salter-Harris classification
Correct answer: NPIAP/EPUAP pressure injury classification
The NPIAP/EPUAP pressure injury staging system defines four stages plus two additional unstageable categories based on tissue depth and wound characteristics.
Question 2: Acute compartment syndrome is definitively confirmed by which diagnostic method?
- Plain X-ray
- MRI scan
- Direct compartment pressure measurement (Correct answer)
- Clinical observation of skin color alone
Correct answer: Direct compartment pressure measurement
Direct intracompartmental pressure measurement is the definitive diagnostic tool for compartment syndrome, with fasciotomy indicated when pressures exceed safe thresholds.
Question 3: The classic '5 P's' of compartment syndrome include Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, and which fifth sign?
- Pressure
- Paralysis (Correct answer)
- Palliation
- Petechiae
Correct answer: Paralysis
The five P's — Pain (worst with passive stretch), Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, and Paralysis — characterize compartment syndrome, with paralysis and pulselessness being late, ominous signs.
Question 4: Which dressing type is most appropriate for managing a heavily exudating orthopaedic wound?
- Hydrocolloid dressing
- Dry gauze dressing
- Alginate dressing (Correct answer)
- Transparent film dressing
Correct answer: Alginate dressing
Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and ideal for heavily exudating wounds; they form a moist gel on contact with exudate, supporting an optimal healing environment.
Question 5: What is the correct technique for wound irrigation using normal saline in orthopaedic wound care?
- High-pressure spray directed forcefully at the wound bed
- Gentle low-pressure irrigation flowing from center outward (Correct answer)
- Vigorous scrubbing with gauze in a circular motion
- Soaking the wound in a saline basin
Correct answer: Gentle low-pressure irrigation flowing from center outward
Wound irrigation should use gentle pressure (5–15 psi) directed from the center outward to remove debris without traumatizing tissue or spreading contamination to clean areas.
Question 6: Which skin complication commonly results from prolonged exposure to moisture under casts or dressings?
- Keloid formation
- Maceration (Correct answer)
- Hypertrophic scarring
- Ecchymosis
Correct answer: Maceration
Maceration occurs when skin is overexposed to moisture from perspiration or wound exudate, causing softening, breakdown, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Wound Care and Soft Tissue Management 2
Which classification system is the international standard for staging pressure injuries by depth of tissue involvement?