Muscoloskeletal - 30 Mins - EMT-b

The correct answer is open because an open fracture refers to a broken bone that has torn through the skin, exposing the fracture site to the external environment. In this case, the patient's lower leg fracture is considered open because the broken bone has penetrated the skin.

The correct answer is checking for pulse, motor function, and sensation before and after splinting. This is an important step in splinting because it helps to assess the circulation, nerve function, and overall condition of the injured area. By checking for pulse, motor function, and sensation before splinting, any changes or abnormalities can be identified and addressed promptly. Similarly, checking after splinting helps to ensure that the splint is not causing any further damage or compromising the blood flow or nerve function. This step is crucial in providing appropriate care and preventing complications.

A pelvic fracture is a very serious injury because it can result in internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves being injured. The pelvis houses vital organs such as the bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs, as well as major blood vessels and nerves that supply the lower extremities. A fracture in this area can cause damage to these structures, leading to significant complications and potential life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to minimize the risk of further injury and ensure the patient's well-being.

Splinting a closed painful, swollen, deformed injury helps prevent it from becoming an open injury. By immobilizing the injured extremity, splinting prevents further movement that could potentially worsen the injury or cause additional damage. It also helps reduce pain and swelling, allowing for a more comfortable transport of the patient. By keeping the injury closed, splinting helps minimize the risk of infection and other complications that may arise from an open injury.

In a "load and go" transport scenario where the patient is a high priority, the fastest method of splinting would be securing the entire body to a spine board. This method ensures that the patient's entire body is immobilized and stabilized, reducing the risk of further injury during transportation. It allows for quick and efficient transfer of the patient to the medical facility while minimizing movement and potential complications.

A crush injury occurs when a force is applied to the body's internal structures, causing them to rupture or bleed internally. This can also result in small bone fractures. Unlike a concussion, which is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head, a crush injury specifically refers to damage caused by compression or crushing of the body. A contusion is a bruise, while an avulsion is the tearing away of a body part or tissue.

The best way to transport the amputated finger is by wrapping it in gauze, placing it in a plastic bag, and keeping it cool. This method helps to protect the finger from further damage and contamination while maintaining its viability. Wrapping it in gauze provides some cushioning and protects it from direct contact with other objects. Placing it in a plastic bag helps to keep it clean and prevents any moisture from reaching the finger. Keeping it cool slows down the metabolic rate of the tissue, which can help preserve it until medical attention is received.

Traction splints are specifically designed to splint injuries to the upper leg. This type of splint is used to immobilize and stabilize fractures or dislocations of the femur (thigh bone). By applying traction to the leg, the splint helps to align the bone fragments and reduce pain. Traction splints are commonly used in emergency situations or during transportation of patients with femur fractures. They provide support and prevent further damage to the injured leg.

If a patient has a knee injury, the use of a traction splint is contraindicated. A traction splint is used to stabilize and immobilize a fractured femur, and applying it to a patient with a knee injury can cause further damage or complications. It is important to assess and treat each injury separately, and in this case, a different method of immobilization should be used for the knee injury.

When a splint is applied properly, it will immobilize not only the injury site but also the adjacent joints and bone ends. This is important because immobilizing the adjacent joints helps prevent any movement that could aggravate the injury or cause further damage. By immobilizing the bone ends, the splint ensures that they remain aligned and do not shift, promoting proper healing. Therefore, the correct answer is "adjacent joints and bone ends."

A traction splint would not be appropriate for the management of a fractured tibia because it is used to stabilize and align long bone fractures, particularly in the femur, by applying traction. The tibia is a weight-bearing bone in the lower leg, and applying traction to it can cause further displacement and damage to the fracture site. Therefore, using a traction splint for a fractured tibia would not be suitable and could potentially worsen the injury.

To properly apply a pressure dressing and bandage to an open wound, it is important to expose the entire wound by cutting away clothing as needed. This allows for a thorough assessment of the wound and ensures that the dressing and bandage can be applied directly to the affected area. By exposing the entire wound, any debris or foreign objects can also be removed, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, cutting away clothing allows for better access and visibility during the dressing application process, ensuring that the wound is properly covered and pressure is applied effectively.

"Splinting someone to death" refers to the act of spending an excessive amount of time splinting a patient, which leads to neglecting the care for life-threatening conditions and unnecessarily delaying their transportation to receive proper medical attention. This can result in severe consequences for the patient, potentially leading to their death.

In a patient with a swollen and deformed extremity, the first priority is to open and maintain the airway. This is because if the airway is compromised, it can lead to respiratory distress or even respiratory arrest. By ensuring that the airway is open and clear, the patient's breathing can be supported and any potential respiratory complications can be prevented. Splinting the extremities, applying direct pressure to open injuries, and assessing circulation in injured extremities are important steps in the overall management of the patient, but they are not the first priority in this scenario.

Attempting to realign the injured extremity is the correct answer because the patient's lower leg is deformed, pulseless, and the skin is cool and cyanotic. These signs suggest that there may be an arterial injury or compartment syndrome, which requires immediate medical intervention. Attempting to realign the injured extremity can help restore blood flow and prevent further damage. Splinting the extremity as it is or applying a traction splint may worsen the condition. Moving the patient to the ambulance before splinting is not recommended as immediate treatment is necessary.