OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Traction Principles and Application 5

Question 1

Traction is generally contraindicated in which of the following scenarios?

Accepted Answer

Open fracture with active vascular injury requiring repair

Answer

An open fracture with active vascular injury requires emergent surgical repair; applying traction could worsen vascular compromise and delay definitive treatment.

Question 2

Which modification is recommended when applying skin traction to a geriatric patient with fragile skin?

Accepted Answer

Using pre-padded or non-adhesive traction kits and reducing weight

Answer

Non-adhesive, pre-padded traction kits and reduced weights minimize shear and pressure forces on fragile geriatric skin, reducing the risk of skin tears.

Question 3

In children, which fracture pattern most often necessitates overhead (Bryant's or 90-90) traction rather than skin boot traction?

Accepted Answer

Femoral shaft fractures in toddlers

Answer

Femoral shaft fractures in toddlers are managed with overhead traction to provide adequate alignment and immobilization without surgical intervention.

Question 4

If a patient's traction rope slips off the pulley, the PRIORITY action is to:

Accepted Answer

Replace the rope on the pulley and verify alignment and weight

Answer

A displaced traction rope eliminates the therapeutic force, risking fracture displacement; it must be promptly replaced and the setup verified.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of counter-traction?

Accepted Answer

To provide an opposing force that prevents the patient from sliding toward the weights

Answer

Counter-traction is an equal and opposite force—usually the patient's own body weight—that resists the traction pull and maintains net force across the fracture site.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Traction Principles and Application 5