OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Patient Assessment and Management 2

Question 1

When assessing a patient for compartment syndrome after tibial fracture casting, which finding is the most reliable early indicator?

Accepted Answer

Pain out of proportion to the injury

Answer

Pain out of proportion to the injury is the earliest and most reliable clinical indicator of compartment syndrome.

Question 2

During neurovascular assessment of a patient in a long arm cast, the OT notes the patient cannot extend their wrist or fingers. Which nerve is most likely compromised?

Accepted Answer

Radial nerve

Answer

The radial nerve controls wrist and finger extension; compression at the lateral humerus or within a tight cast can produce this deficit.

Question 3

A patient returns for a cast check 48 hours after application and reports a burning sensation under the cast. The most appropriate initial action is to:

Accepted Answer

Bivalve or remove the cast to inspect the skin

Answer

A burning sensation under a cast suggests skin breakdown or pressure injury and requires immediate cast removal or bivalving for inspection.

Question 4

When documenting capillary refill time in a post-fracture assessment, a normal result in adults is:

Accepted Answer

Less than 2 seconds

Answer

Normal capillary refill time in adults is less than 2 seconds; values of 2 seconds or greater may indicate circulatory compromise.

Question 5

A patient with a short leg cast reports numbness over the dorsum of the foot and inability to dorsiflex the ankle. Which nerve is most likely compressed?

Accepted Answer

Common peroneal nerve

Answer

The common peroneal nerve wraps around the fibular head and is vulnerable to compression there, causing foot drop and dorsal foot numbness.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Patient Assessment and Management 2