OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Neurovascular Assessment 2

Question 1

The posterior tibial pulse is most accurately palpated at which anatomical location?

Accepted Answer

Posterior to the medial malleolus

Answer

The posterior tibial pulse is found just posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus and is essential in assessing distal lower extremity perfusion.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action when an orthopaedic technologist identifies signs of acute neurovascular compromise in a casted extremity?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the supervising physician and prepare for cast bivalving or removal

Answer

Neurovascular compromise is a surgical emergency; the orthopaedic technologist must notify the physician immediately and prepare to bivalve or remove the cast to relieve pressure.

Question 3

Compartment pressures are considered critical and typically warrant emergency fasciotomy when they reach within how many mmHg of the patient's diastolic blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

30 mmHg

Answer

Fasciotomy is indicated when compartment pressure is within 30 mmHg of the diastolic blood pressure (delta-p ≤ 30 mmHg), as perfusion becomes critically compromised.

Question 4

Testing the ability to abduct and adduct the fingers assesses function of which nerve in the upper extremity?

Accepted Answer

Ulnar nerve

Answer

The ulnar nerve innervates the intrinsic hand muscles (interossei and hypothenar muscles) responsible for finger abduction and adduction.

Question 5

An orthopaedic technologist is assessing a patient with a distal radius fracture and notices the patient cannot oppose the thumb to the little finger. Which nerve is most likely compromised?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Answer

Thumb opposition (opponens pollicis) is controlled by the recurrent branch of the median nerve; loss of opposition is a hallmark of median nerve injury at the wrist.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Neurovascular Assessment 2