Emergency Procedures & Response Flashcards

A patient with a bilateral lower extremity orthosis develops signs of deep vein thrombosis (calf pain, redness, and swelling) in the right leg. What is the most appropriate orthotist response?

Answer: Immediately refer the patient to emergency medical services or the physician

Suspected DVT is a medical emergency because of the risk of pulmonary embolism; the patient must be referred immediately to a physician or emergency care.

An orthotist witnesses a patient suffer a stroke (sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech). How long does evidence suggest that rapid treatment can significantly improve outcomes?

Answer: Within 4.5 hours of symptom onset for thrombolytic therapy

Thrombolytic therapy (tPA) for ischemic stroke is most effective and guideline-recommended within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, making every minute critical.

During an orthotic fitting, a patient who uses anticoagulant medication develops uncontrolled bleeding from a small skin abrasion. What first aid measure is most appropriate?

Answer: Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean dressing and elevate the limb

Direct pressure and elevation are the first-line interventions for controlling bleeding; tourniquets are reserved for life-threatening limb hemorrhage that cannot be controlled otherwise.

What information must an orthotist know about a patient BEFORE initiating gait training with a new lower limb orthosis to prepare for potential emergencies?

Answer: Medical history including cardiovascular conditions, fall history, and current medications

Knowledge of cardiovascular conditions, fall history, and medications allows the orthotist to anticipate risks and prepare appropriate emergency responses during gait training.

A staff member accidentally splashes a chemical solvent used in orthotic fabrication into their eyes. What is the correct immediate first aid action?

Answer: Flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15–20 minutes, then seek medical care

Chemical eye exposure requires immediate, prolonged flushing with water for 15–20 minutes to dilute and remove the chemical before further medical treatment.

Which of the following symptoms in a patient with a new spinal orthosis indicates a potential autonomic dysreflexia emergency (relevant in patients with high-level spinal cord injury)?

Answer: Sudden severe headache, profuse sweating above the level of injury, and hypertension

Autonomic dysreflexia presents with sudden severe headache, diaphoresis above the injury level, and dangerously high blood pressure, and requires immediate identification and removal of the triggering stimulus.

Which federal regulation requires orthotics facilities to have written exposure control plans for bloodborne pathogens?

Answer: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates that healthcare and clinical facilities maintain a written exposure control plan to protect workers from bloodborne pathogen risks.