Self-Test Lesson 5. Fractures of the Upper Extremities

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following exercises by marking the lettered response that best answers the exercise or best completes the incomplete statement or by writing the answer in the space provided.

After you have completed all the exercises, turn to “Solutions to Exercises” at the end of the page and check your answers. For each exercise answered incorrectly, reread the material referenced with the solution.

1. When applying a wire ladder splint to a casualty’s arm, position the splint on the _______________ of the casualty’s arm.

a. Inside.

b. Outside.

2. When applying a splint to a casualty’s arm, what can you do to help keep two fingers in their natural position? ________________________________________________________________

3. When applying a SAM splint to a fracture of the forearm, the casualty’s _______________ should rest in the bend of the splint.

a. Elbow.

b. Hand.

4. You are applying an improvised splint to a casualty’s arm. Before you applied a cravat, he had good circulation below the fracture. Now he has no radial pulse. What should you do? ________________________________________________________________

5. When applying an arm sling #1, the ends of the sling are tied in a non-slip knot at the casualty’s neck on the:

a. Same side as the injured arm.

b. Side opposite that of the injured arm.

6. Which of the following is correct concerning applying a sling to help immobilize the arm as part of the treatment for a dislocated shoulder?

a. If the shoulder has an anterior dislocation, apply an arm sling number one (sling over the injured shoulder). If the shoulder has a posterior dislocation, apply an arm sling number two (sling under the injured shoulder).

b. If the shoulder has an anterior dislocation, apply an arm sling number two (sling under the injured shoulder). If the shoulder has a posterior dislocation, apply an arm sling number one (sling over the injured shoulder).

c. Apply an arm sling number one (sling over the injured shoulder) for both an anterior dislocation and a posterior dislocation.

d. Apply an arm sling number two (sling under the injured shoulder) for both an anterior dislocation and a posterior dislocation.

7. What is different about applying a swathe to a casualty with a fractured humerus and to a casualty with a fractured forearm?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

8. A pneumatic splint should be inflated ________ the splint is applied to the injured limb.

a. Before.

b. After.

9. A pneumatic splint should be inflated:

a. By mouth.

b. Using an air pump.


SOLUTIONS TO EXERCISES, LESSON 5

1. b (para 5-1b(1))

2. Place a wad of material in the casualty’s palm. (para 5-6e, figure 5-2)

3. a (para 5-2e)

4. Loosen the cravat, apply it again, and check the pulse again. (para 5-4e(3))

5. b (para 5-8a(6))

6. d (paras 5-7a(4), b(3))

7. Apply two swathes about 3 to 6 inches wide (one above the fracture and one below the fracture) to the fractured humerus. Apply one swathe about 12 inches wide to the upper arm of the fractured forearm. (paras 5-9, 5-9a, c, c(2)(b))

8. b (paras 5-10c, d)

9. b. (para 5-10d(2)(a)

fractures