CPSS key points UPDATED ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
AFTER cast/splint do what 3 things on physical exam? - CORRECT ANSWER - cap refill
motor
sensory testing
Plaster or Fiberglass?
Easier to mold to an extremity esp chubby pts
Absorbs ("wicks") underlying wound drainage, making it a desirable splinting material in trauma
and post-op settings
Washed off with soap and water - CORRECT ANSWER - plaster advantages
Heavier but not as durable
Will soften and break down if it gets wet
Emits heat as it cures *(Exothermic rxn/burn risk)* → esp in pts w/ sensory deficits (put cold
water on it)
Do not need to wear gloves - CORRECT ANSWER - plaster disadvantages
what is a main disadvantage of plaster cast - CORRECT ANSWER - (Exothermic rxn/burn
risk) → esp in pts w/ sensory deficits
what is the preferred cast material for weight bearing or walking cast? - CORRECT
ANSWER - fiberglass
Light weight, ease of application, and excellent durability
Fully water-resistant, inside padding kept dry
Wide variety of colors - CORRECT ANSWER - fiberglass advantages
, Moisture in the air will prematurely initiate the curing process (not a concern with plaster-cast
material)
More expensive
Gloves & apron should be worn when applying fiberglass - CORRECT ANSWER -
disadvantages to fiberglass
3 reasons cast should be avoided? - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. During the acute injury
phase (usually 3 to 4 days), when acute swelling of the extremity is expected
2. When the cast would cover or conceal a known skin or soft-tissue infection
3. When the cast would cover or conceal an open wound, where infection may occur
how long after injury should casting be avoided (acute injury phase) ? - CORRECT
ANSWER - 3-4 days, allows for swelling to go down (use splint first)
Normal pressure (5 to 10 mm Hg)
Compartment Syndrome pressure (> _____ mm Hg) - CORRECT ANSWER - 30
Sx: Pain that ^ over time & is out of proportion to the severity of the injury - CORRECT
ANSWER - compartment syndrome
Measure compartment pressure w/ needle, three-way stopcock, intravenous tubing, and a
mercury manometer - CORRECT ANSWER - Whiteside technique
MC injuries leading to compartment syndrome? - CORRECT ANSWER - crush injury or
arterial laceration
T/F compartment syndrome damage is irreversible - CORRECT ANSWER - true
Questions and CORRECT Answers
AFTER cast/splint do what 3 things on physical exam? - CORRECT ANSWER - cap refill
motor
sensory testing
Plaster or Fiberglass?
Easier to mold to an extremity esp chubby pts
Absorbs ("wicks") underlying wound drainage, making it a desirable splinting material in trauma
and post-op settings
Washed off with soap and water - CORRECT ANSWER - plaster advantages
Heavier but not as durable
Will soften and break down if it gets wet
Emits heat as it cures *(Exothermic rxn/burn risk)* → esp in pts w/ sensory deficits (put cold
water on it)
Do not need to wear gloves - CORRECT ANSWER - plaster disadvantages
what is a main disadvantage of plaster cast - CORRECT ANSWER - (Exothermic rxn/burn
risk) → esp in pts w/ sensory deficits
what is the preferred cast material for weight bearing or walking cast? - CORRECT
ANSWER - fiberglass
Light weight, ease of application, and excellent durability
Fully water-resistant, inside padding kept dry
Wide variety of colors - CORRECT ANSWER - fiberglass advantages
, Moisture in the air will prematurely initiate the curing process (not a concern with plaster-cast
material)
More expensive
Gloves & apron should be worn when applying fiberglass - CORRECT ANSWER -
disadvantages to fiberglass
3 reasons cast should be avoided? - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. During the acute injury
phase (usually 3 to 4 days), when acute swelling of the extremity is expected
2. When the cast would cover or conceal a known skin or soft-tissue infection
3. When the cast would cover or conceal an open wound, where infection may occur
how long after injury should casting be avoided (acute injury phase) ? - CORRECT
ANSWER - 3-4 days, allows for swelling to go down (use splint first)
Normal pressure (5 to 10 mm Hg)
Compartment Syndrome pressure (> _____ mm Hg) - CORRECT ANSWER - 30
Sx: Pain that ^ over time & is out of proportion to the severity of the injury - CORRECT
ANSWER - compartment syndrome
Measure compartment pressure w/ needle, three-way stopcock, intravenous tubing, and a
mercury manometer - CORRECT ANSWER - Whiteside technique
MC injuries leading to compartment syndrome? - CORRECT ANSWER - crush injury or
arterial laceration
T/F compartment syndrome damage is irreversible - CORRECT ANSWER - true
