OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of cast is most appropriate for a stable distal radius fracture requiring immobilization of the wrist while allowing elbow motion?
- Long arm cast
- Short arm cast (Correct answer)
- Cylinder cast
- Sugar tong splint
Correct answer: Short arm cast
A short arm cast extends from below the elbow to the metacarpal heads, immobilizing the wrist while leaving the elbow free.
Question 2: When applying a fiberglass cast, the OT should wear gloves primarily to:
- Prevent burns from exothermic reaction
- Protect against dermatitis from the resin (Correct answer)
- Improve grip on the casting material
- Prevent contamination of the cast
Correct answer: Protect against dermatitis from the resin
Fiberglass casting tape contains resin that can cause contact dermatitis with prolonged skin exposure, making glove use essential.
Question 3: A patient presents with a suspected scaphoid fracture but initial X-rays are negative. The most appropriate next step is:
- Discharge with activity restrictions only
- Apply a thumb spica splint and arrange follow-up imaging (Correct answer)
- Apply a long arm cast immediately
- Order a bone scan and discharge without immobilization
Correct answer: Apply a thumb spica splint and arrange follow-up imaging
Scaphoid fractures are frequently occult on initial radiographs; thumb spica immobilization is initiated and MRI or repeat X-rays at 10-14 days are recommended.
Question 4: Compartment syndrome is BEST assessed by evaluating which of the following?
- Skin color and cast tightness alone
- Pain with passive stretch, paresthesia, and compartment pressure (Correct answer)
- Capillary refill and pulse oximetry only
- Range of motion and muscle strength
Correct answer: Pain with passive stretch, paresthesia, and compartment pressure
The classic assessment of compartment syndrome includes pain out of proportion, pain with passive stretch, paresthesia, and direct compartment pressure measurement.
Question 5: Which traction type applies force directly through surgically implanted pins or wires into bone?
- Buck's traction
- Skeletal traction (Correct answer)
- Dunlop traction
- Russell traction
Correct answer: Skeletal traction
Skeletal traction uses pins or wires placed directly into bone to apply and maintain traction force, unlike skin traction which acts on soft tissue.
Question 6: When measuring for axillary crutches, the armrest should be positioned approximately:
- Flush with the axilla
- 1-2 inches below the axilla (Correct answer)
- 3-4 inches below the axilla
- At shoulder height
Correct answer: 1-2 inches below the axilla
Axillary crutch pads should rest 1-2 inches (2-3 finger widths) below the axilla to prevent brachial plexus compression.
Question 7: Which gait pattern is used when a patient can bear partial weight on one extremity and uses two crutches?
- Four-point gait
- Three-point gait (Correct answer)
- Two-point gait
- Swing-through gait
Correct answer: Three-point gait
Three-point gait involves advancing both crutches together with the affected limb, then swinging the unaffected limb forward, used for partial or non-weight-bearing.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certification 2
Which type of cast is most appropriate for a stable distal radius fracture requiring immobilization of the wrist while allowing elbow motion?