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
A patient using a spinal orthosis for scoliosis reports sudden difficulty breathing that worsens when the brace is worn. What is the most likely concern and appropriate action?
Answer: The brace may be restricting respiration; remove it and evaluate fit, then refer if symptoms persist
A spinal orthosis that restricts breathing can compromise ventilation and must be evaluated immediately; if symptoms continue after removal, medical referral is required.
In the context of bloodborne pathogen exposure during orthotic fabrication (e.g., a needlestick from a wire), what is the first step the orthotist should take?
Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately
Immediate thorough washing of the exposure site with soap and water is the first response to a bloodborne pathogen exposure to reduce infection risk.
Which of the following vital signs in an adult patient at an orthotics clinic warrants immediate referral to emergency services?
Answer: Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute at rest with accessory muscle use
A resting respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min with accessory muscle use indicates respiratory distress, which is a medical emergency.
What documentation must an orthotist complete after a patient incident or fall occurs in the clinic?
Answer: An incident report capturing event details, patient status, actions taken, and witnesses
A detailed incident report is required for liability, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance after any patient injury or adverse event.
A patient arrives for a follow-up orthotic appointment and discloses recent opioid use. During the visit, the patient becomes very drowsy and their breathing slows markedly. What should the orthotist do?
Answer: Activate EMS immediately and monitor the patient's airway and breathing
Markedly slowed breathing after opioid use indicates potential overdose, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate EMS activation.
When responding to a patient burn from a hot thermoplastic material during device modification, after cooling the burn with cool (not ice) water, what is the next step?
Answer: Cover with a clean non-stick dressing and assess severity; refer if moderate or severe
After cooling a burn, covering it with a clean non-adhesive dressing protects the area while severity assessment determines whether emergency referral is needed.
Which of the following best describes universal precautions in an orthotics clinical setting?
Answer: Treating all patients' blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using appropriate PPE
Universal precautions require that blood and body fluids from all patients be considered potentially infectious, mandating consistent use of appropriate PPE regardless of known diagnosis.