OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Patient Assessment and Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a skin traction assessment, the OT notices skin blisters forming beneath the foam traction boot. The most appropriate action is to:
- Remove the traction and notify the physician to reassess the treatment plan (Correct answer)
- Pop the blisters, apply antibiotic ointment, and reapply traction
- Pad the blisters and continue traction at reduced weight
- Do nothing unless the patient reports pain
Correct answer: Remove the traction and notify the physician to reassess the treatment plan
Skin blisters indicate traction-related skin injury; traction must be discontinued and the physician notified to determine an alternative immobilization method.
Question 2: A patient with a mid-shaft humerus fracture presents with wrist drop and impaired sensation over the dorsal first web space. Which nerve is injured?
- Radial nerve (Correct answer)
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve
- Axillary nerve
Correct answer: Radial nerve
The radial nerve spirals around the humeral shaft in the radial groove and is commonly injured in mid-shaft fractures, causing wrist drop and sensory loss in the first web space.
Question 3: Which special test is used to assess for shoulder impingement syndrome by internally rotating and flexing the arm to compress the supraspinatus?
- Hawkins-Kennedy test (Correct answer)
- Speed's test
- Yergason's test
- Apprehension test
Correct answer: Hawkins-Kennedy test
The Hawkins-Kennedy test internally rotates the shoulder in 90° of forward flexion, compressing the supraspinatus under the coracoacromial arch to reproduce impingement pain.
Question 4: In assessing a geriatric patient for fall risk prior to mobilization post-hip fracture repair, the most validated single-item screen is:
- Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (Correct answer)
- Romberg test
- Berg Balance Scale
- Functional Reach Test
Correct answer: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
The Timed Up and Go test is widely validated as a simple, reliable screen for fall risk in older adults and is easily performed at bedside.
Question 5: A patient presents with point tenderness over the anatomical snuffbox after a fall on an outstretched hand. Which bone should be suspected fractured?
- Scaphoid (Correct answer)
- Trapezium
- Lunate
- Radius
Correct answer: Scaphoid
The anatomical snuffbox is bounded by the extensor pollicis tendons and overlies the scaphoid; point tenderness there is a hallmark sign of scaphoid fracture.
Question 6: When taking an orthopaedic patient history, which component of the OPQRST mnemonic addresses what makes the pain better or worse?
- P – Provocation/Palliation (Correct answer)
- O – Onset
- Q – Quality
- T – Timing
Correct answer: P – Provocation/Palliation
The P in OPQRST stands for Provocation and Palliation, asking what triggers or relieves the pain.
Question 7: An orthopaedic technologist is assessing a patient in a hip spica cast. Which finding requires the most urgent intervention?
- Cyanotic toes bilaterally with absent capillary refill (Correct answer)
- Mild itching under the cast edges
- Slight odor from the groin area
- Patient reporting the cast feels warm on day 2
Correct answer: Cyanotic toes bilaterally with absent capillary refill
Cyanosis with absent capillary refill indicates severe vascular compromise requiring immediate cast bivalving and emergency physician notification.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Patient Assessment and Management 5
When performing a skin traction assessment, the OT notices skin blisters forming beneath the foam traction boot.
The most appropriate action is to: