First Aid First Aid Musculoskeletal Injury Management Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A hiker twists their ankle on the trail and it begins to swell. Which method best describes the correct immediate first aid sequence?
- Warm the ankle, elevate it, and encourage walking to reduce stiffness
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) (Correct answer)
- Massage vigorously, apply heat, and wrap tightly
- Immobilize only if the person cannot bear any weight
Correct answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the standard first aid protocol for sprains and strains to reduce swelling and pain.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign that a bone fracture may be present rather than just a sprain?
- Mild bruising around the joint
- Deformity or unnatural angulation of the limb (Correct answer)
- Soreness that improves within minutes
- Slight warmth over the injured area
Correct answer: Deformity or unnatural angulation of the limb
Visible deformity or an unnatural angle of a limb is a strong indicator of a fracture rather than a simple sprain.
Question 3: When applying a cold pack to a musculoskeletal injury, how long should each application last to avoid tissue damage?
- 5 minutes continuously
- 20 minutes on, then remove before reapplying (Correct answer)
- 45 minutes or until numbness
- As long as needed until pain is gone
Correct answer: 20 minutes on, then remove before reapplying
Ice should be applied for no more than 20 minutes at a time to prevent frostbite and tissue damage.
Question 4: A construction worker falls and you suspect a hip fracture. What is the priority first aid action?
- Assist them to stand slowly to test weight-bearing ability
- Keep them still and call 911 immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply a compression bandage around the hip
- Gently straighten the leg and splint it
Correct answer: Keep them still and call 911 immediately
A suspected hip fracture requires the patient to remain immobile while emergency services are called, as movement can worsen injury.
Question 5: Which type of splint is most appropriate when no commercial splint is available for a suspected forearm fracture?
- A cloth sling alone
- A rigid improvised splint (e.g., board, rolled magazine) padded and secured (Correct answer)
- Taping the injured arm tightly to the torso without padding
- Wrapping only with an elastic bandage, no rigid support
Correct answer: A rigid improvised splint (e.g., board, rolled magazine) padded and secured
An improvised rigid splint with padding immobilizes the fracture and prevents further injury when commercial splints are unavailable.
Question 6: After applying a splint to an arm injury, what assessment should be performed to ensure the splint is not too tight?
- Ask the patient if they feel warm
- Check circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) distal to the splint (Correct answer)
- Verify the splint covers the entire limb
- Confirm the patient can move the injured joint
Correct answer: Check circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) distal to the splint
Checking circulation, sensation, and movement distal to a splint ensures it is not impairing blood flow or nerve function.
First Aid First Aid Musculoskeletal Injury Management Questions and Answers 2
A hiker twists their ankle on the trail and it begins to swell.
Which method best describes the correct immediate first aid sequence?