OTC Orthopaedic Technologist 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During cast application, stockinette should extend beyond the cast edges by approximately how much to allow for folding back over padding?
- 0.5 inch
- 1 inch
- 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 4 inches
Correct answer: 2 inches
Stockinette should extend 2 inches beyond each end of the planned cast so it can be folded back over the padding to create a smooth, finished edge.
Question 2: A Colles' fracture typically results from which mechanism of injury?
- Fall on a flexed wrist
- Direct blow to the dorsum of the hand
- Fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) (Correct answer)
- Twisting force to the forearm
Correct answer: Fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH)
A Colles' fracture (distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement) classically results from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) with the wrist extended.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct order of cast padding layers from innermost to outermost?
- Stockinette, cast padding, casting material (Correct answer)
- Cast padding, stockinette, casting material
- Casting material, stockinette, cast padding
- Stockinette, casting material, cast padding
Correct answer: Stockinette, cast padding, casting material
The correct layering is stockinette directly on the skin, followed by cast padding (Webril), and then the casting material on the outside.
Question 4: Which nerve injury produces a 'wrist drop' deformity?
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve (Correct answer)
- Axillary nerve
Correct answer: Radial nerve
Radial nerve injury causes weakness of wrist and finger extensors, resulting in the characteristic 'wrist drop' deformity due to loss of extensor function.
Question 5: When should a cast window be cut?
- Routinely after 48 hours to check circulation
- To allow wound inspection or pressure relief over a bony prominence (Correct answer)
- Only when the patient complains of itching
- Before every follow-up appointment
Correct answer: To allow wound inspection or pressure relief over a bony prominence
A cast window is cut to inspect underlying wounds, relieve pressure over a bony prominence, or access an area requiring wound care without removing the entire cast.
Question 6: The Ottawa Ankle Rules help clinicians determine the need for which diagnostic test?
- MRI of the ankle
- Bone density scan
- Plain radiographs of the ankle/foot (Correct answer)
- Ultrasound for ligament tears
Correct answer: Plain radiographs of the ankle/foot
The Ottawa Ankle Rules are validated clinical decision tools that guide whether plain radiographs are necessary after ankle injury to rule out fracture.
Question 7: In a short leg cast, the foot should typically be positioned in what angle of dorsiflexion?
- 15 degrees plantar flexion
- Neutral (90 degrees to the leg) (Correct answer)
- 15 degrees dorsiflexion
- 30 degrees dorsiflexion
Correct answer: Neutral (90 degrees to the leg)
A short leg cast should maintain the foot in neutral position (90 degrees to the leg) to prevent equinus contracture and facilitate weight bearing when applicable.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist 3
During cast application, stockinette should extend beyond the cast edges by approximately how much to allow for folding back over padding?