Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries

What is the difference between a fracture and a dislocation?

• AA fracture affects only children, a dislocation only adults
• BA dislocation is a break in the bone
• CThey are exactly the same condition under two different names
• DA fracture is a break in the bone; a dislocation is when a bone is displaced from a joint✓

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?

• ARedness, heat and swelling, with a fever that develops over several days
• BPain, swelling, deformity, inability to move, and crepitus (grinding sensation)✓
• CPale, cold, clammy skin with a rapid weak pulse
• DA sudden severe headache with a stiff neck

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, Immobilise, Compress, Exercise
• BRestrict, Ice, Cool, Extend
• CRaise, Ice, Cool, Elevation
• DRest, Ice, Compression, Elevation✓

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?

• AWrap ice in a cloth and apply for 15-20 minutes, remove, and reapply if needed✓
• BApply very hot water to the sprain instead, to relax the muscles around the joint
• CDo not apply anything cold at all, because cooling a sprain slows the healing process
• DApply ice directly to the skin and hold it there for as long as the casualty can tolerate it

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 immobilise a suspected arm fracture?

• AApply a sling to support the arm against the body✓
• BLeave it freely moveable
• CEncourage movement to prevent stiffness
• DWrap it tightly with elastic bandage only

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?

• APerform CPR immediately
• BImmobilise the spine and avoid unnecessary movement; only move if there is immediate danger✓
• CGently stretch and straighten the spine to realign the vertebrae before the casualty is moved anywhere
• DMove the casualty immediately

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

What are the signs of a dislocated joint?

• AA red, hot, swollen joint with fever that has built up over days
• BMild pain, with the joint still moving through its normal range
• CRedness of the skin over the joint
• DDeformity, severe pain, loss of function, swelling, and bruising✓

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?

• AGive pain relief and exercise the joint
• BApply heat to the joint
• CAttempt to realign the joint immediately, before the muscles around it go into spasm
• DImmobilise in the position found, apply ice, and call 999✓

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

What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?

• AThe terms mean the same thing
• BA strain is damage to muscle or tendon; a sprain is damage to ligaments✓
• COnly sprains require treatment
• DA sprain is damage to muscle; a strain is damage to ligaments

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 bent at approximately 90 degrees and supported against the body✓
• BArm raised above the level of the heart and held there to reduce the swelling
• CArm held straight down by the side of the body and bandaged firmly to the chest
• DArm folded behind the back and held there with a bandage passed around the chest

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?

• AA closed fracture has no wound; an open fracture has a wound and possible bone protruding✓
• BAn open fracture involves a dislocated joint; a closed fracture affects the shaft of the bone
• CAn open fracture is one that can be seen on an X-ray; a closed fracture is too fine to show
• DAn open fracture has no wound; the term simply means the bone has broken into two separate pieces

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?

• AAirway obstruction, as the tongue falls back when a limb is broken
• BInfection due to the open wound and possible severe bleeding✓
• CAllergic reaction to the dressing, which is the most common complication
• DPain management, since an open fracture heals in the same way as a closed one

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

How should you treat a casualty with a suspected pelvis fracture?

• AApply a compression bandage and elevate the legs
• BKeep them lying flat with support under the knees, immobilise, and call 999✓
• CHelp them walk to a chair, then support them until the ambulance arrives
• DMassage the area to ease the pain

Answer: Keep the casualty lying flat with support under the knees, avoid movement, and call 999 immediately. Pelvic fractures can cause severe internal bleeding.

What complications can arise from a fracture?

• APain, bruising and temporary stiffness once the bone has set
• BBruising alone, which fades in a week
• CShock, damage to blood vessels and nerves, fat embolism, and infection✓
• DThere are never any complications once the bone has been immobilised properly

Answer: Serious complications can include shock, blood vessel/nerve damage, fat embolism, and infection (especially with open fractures).

How should you support a suspected leg fracture?

• AUse pillows or padding to support the leg in a comfortable position and prevent movement✓
• BApply a very tight bandage around the whole leg to hold the broken ends of the bone firmly together
• CEncourage the casualty to exercise the leg gently so that the joint does not stiffen up while waiting
• DLeave the leg completely unsupported so that the casualty can find the position that hurts them least

Answer: Support the injured leg with pillows or padding to keep it comfortable and prevent movement. This reduces pain and prevents further injury.

What is compartment syndrome?

• AA mental health disorder
• BA type of headache
• CIt never arises in first aid situations because swelling inside a limb always settles on its own
• DA serious condition where swelling within a muscle compartment cuts off blood supply✓

Answer: Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling within a fascial compartment increases pressure and cuts off blood supply. It causes severe pain and requires urgent intervention.

How long should ice be applied to an acute soft tissue injury?

• A15-20 minutes, can be repeated if needed✓
• BIce should not be applied at all
• CFive minutes, repeated hourly throughout the first day
• D1 hour continuously

Answer: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes to acute soft tissue injuries. This can be repeated if needed, allowing the skin to warm between applications.

What should be done for a casualty with a knee injury?

• AImmobilise, apply ice, elevate, and seek medical advice for severe injuries✓
• BForce the knee through its full range of movement to check whether it is broken
• CKeep the leg straight and bear weight on it
• DApply heat, keep the joint moving and encourage them to walk it off

Answer: Immobilise the knee, apply ice, elevate the leg, and rest. Seek medical advice for severe injuries or if the knee cannot bear weight.

What is a greenstick fracture?

• AA hairline fracture caused by repeated stress over time, common in long-distance runners
• BA fracture where the bone breaks into many small fragments, common in high-speed car crashes
• CAn incomplete fracture where the bone bends and partially breaks, common in children✓
• DA complete break through the bone with the two ends separated, seen mainly in older adults

Answer: A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone bends and partially breaks, like a green stick. Common in children whose bones are more flexible.

How should you handle a casualty with a rib fracture?

• ALie them flat on their back with their legs raised, as for a casualty who has fainted
• BSupport the chest with padding or a bandage, encourage gentle breathing, and seek medical advice✓
• CCool the chest under running water for 20 minutes, as for a burn
• DStrap the chest tightly, then encourage deep breathing and movement

Answer: Support the chest with padding or a support bandage, encourage gentle breathing to prevent pneumonia, and seek medical advice. Avoid complete immobilisation.