Emergency Procedures & Response Flashcards
7 cards from real CO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Procedures & Response flashcards as text
Which of the following is a contraindication to placing an orthotic patient in the Trendelenburg (legs elevated) position after syncope?
Answer: Suspected spinal injury
Trendelenburg position is contraindicated when a spinal injury is suspected because moving the patient could worsen neurological damage.
A patient with a transtibial prosthesis residual limb develops signs of severe infection (redness, warmth, swelling, fever). What is the correct orthotist response?
Answer: Refer immediately to the prescribing physician or emergency care
Signs of systemic infection or serious local infection require immediate medical referral because delayed treatment can lead to sepsis or tissue loss.
During a home visit to deliver a custom orthosis, the orthotist finds an elderly patient who is unresponsive and not breathing. What is the correct sequence of actions?
Answer: Call 911, begin CPR, and use AED if available
For an unresponsive, non-breathing person, the chain of survival begins with activating EMS followed by immediate CPR and defibrillation.
A child fitted with a TLSO reports that the brace caused a skin pressure sore that has become an open wound with foul odor. What should the orthotist do?
Answer: Document the wound, discontinue brace use, and refer to the physician
An open, malodorous wound requires discontinuation of the device, proper documentation, and prompt medical referral for wound management.
What is the primary purpose of maintaining an emergency action plan (EAP) in an orthotics clinic?
Answer: To ensure all staff know their roles and response steps during a medical emergency
An EAP defines staff roles, communication steps, and protocols so that emergencies are managed efficiently and effectively.
An orthotist is fabricating a thermoplastic component when a fire breaks out in the heating oven. Which fire extinguisher class is appropriate for this type of fire?
Answer: Class A or B, depending on what is burning
Thermoplastic materials can constitute ordinary combustibles (Class A), but if flammable liquids or solvents are involved, Class B applies; an ABC extinguisher covers both.
When should an orthotist perform a fall-risk screen for a new outpatient receiving a lower extremity orthosis?
Answer: At the initial evaluation and before each gait training session
Fall-risk screening should occur at intake and be re-assessed prior to gait training sessions because new orthotic devices can alter balance and gait mechanics.