Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries

What is the difference between a fracture and a dislocation?

• ANo difference
• BA fracture is a break in the bone; a dislocation is when a bone is displaced from a joint✓
• CA dislocation is a break in the bone
• DThey are the same condition

Answer: A fracture is a break in the bone structure. A dislocation is when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint.

What are the signs of a suspected fracture?

• AOnly severe pain
• BRedness, heat, and swelling only
• CPain, swelling, deformity, inability to move, and crepitus (grinding sensation)✓
• DPale skin only

Answer: Signs include pain, swelling, deformity, inability to move the limb, bruising, and sometimes a grinding sensation (crepitus).

What is RICE treatment for sprains and strains?

• ARest, Ice, Compression, Elevation✓
• BRest, Immobilize, Compress, Exercise
• CRaise, Ice, Cool, Elevation
• DRestrict, Ice, Cool, Extend

Answer: RICE stands for Rest (stop activity), Ice (apply for 15-20 minutes), Compression (support bandage), and Elevation (raise the limb).

What is the correct way to apply ice to a sprain?

• AApply ice directly to skin for as long as possible
• BDo not apply ice at all
• CWrap ice in a cloth and apply for 15-20 minutes, remove, and reapply if needed✓
• DApply very hot water instead

Answer: Wrap ice in a cloth or use an ice pack and apply for 15-20 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to skin as it can cause ice burn.

How should you immobilize a suspected arm fracture?

• ALeave it freely moveable
• BApply a sling to support the arm against the body✓
• CWrap it tightly with elastic bandage only
• DEncourage movement to prevent stiffness

Answer: Use a sling to support the injured arm against the body, preventing movement and reducing pain. This can be made from a triangular bandage.

What should you do for a suspected spinal injury?

• AMove the casualty immediately
• BImmobilize the spine and avoid unnecessary movement; only move if there is immediate danger✓
• CPerform CPR immediately
• DStretch the spine to realign it

Answer: Do not move a casualty with suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger. Immobilize and support the head and neck.

What are the signs of a dislocated joint?

• AMild pain only
• BDeformity, severe pain, loss of function, swelling, and bruising✓
• CNo visible signs
• DRedness only

Answer: A dislocated joint shows obvious deformity (the bone appears out of place), severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the joint.

What should you do if you encounter a dislocated joint?

• AAttempt to realign the joint immediately
• BImmobilize in the position found, apply ice, and call 999✓
• CGive pain relief and exercise the joint
• DApply heat to the joint

Answer: Do not attempt to realign a dislocated joint. Immobilize it in the position found, apply ice (wrapped), and seek medical help.

What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?

• ANo difference
• BA strain is damage to muscle or tendon; a sprain is damage to ligaments✓
• CA sprain is damage to muscle; a strain is damage to ligaments
• DOnly sprains require treatment

Answer: A strain is damage to a muscle or tendon (muscle pull). A sprain is damage to a ligament (joint twist).

What is the proper sling position for an arm fracture?

• AArm straight down by the side
• BArm elevated above the heart
• CArm bent at approximately 90 degrees and supported against the body✓
• DArm behind the back

Answer: The arm should be bent at approximately 90 degrees at the elbow and supported in a sling against the body to prevent movement.

How can you tell if a fracture is open or closed?

• AAll fractures are open
• BA closed fracture has no wound; an open fracture has a wound and possible bone protruding✓
• CAn open fracture has no wound
• DFractures are never open

Answer: A closed fracture has no wound. An open (compound) fracture has a wound and possibly bone protruding through the skin.

What is the primary concern with an open fracture?

• AOnly pain management
• BInfection due to the open wound and possible severe bleeding✓
• CPreventing movement of the joint
• DNo special concerns

Answer: Open fractures have a high risk of infection and may have severe bleeding. Treat the wound, control bleeding, immobilize, and seek urgent medical help.