OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Spinal and Pelvic Immobilization 2

Question 1

Which halo vest component adjustment is performed first when applying the device to a patient with a cervical fracture?

Accepted Answer

Place and secure the halo ring

Answer

The halo ring is placed and secured with skull pins before attaching the uprights or vest components.

Question 2

A patient in a TLSO brace reports pressure sores over the iliac crests. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Adjust or pad the brace at the pressure points

Answer

Adjusting or adding padding at pressure points addresses the cause while maintaining spinal immobilization.

Question 3

Which angle defines proper cervical neutral alignment when sizing a rigid cervical collar?

Accepted Answer

0° with chin slightly tucked

Answer

Neutral alignment with a slight chin tuck maintains the cervical spine in its optimal protected position.

Question 4

The Minerva body jacket differs from the halo vest primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Encases the head and chin without skull pins

Answer

The Minerva jacket encases the occiput and chin using a molded shell, avoiding invasive skull pin fixation.

Question 5

When applying a sacroiliac (SI) belt for pelvic ring instability, at what anatomical level should the belt be centered?

Accepted Answer

Just above the greater trochanters

Answer

Centering the SI belt just above the greater trochanters compresses the posterior pelvic ring effectively.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test