First Aid FREE First Aid Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A hiker twists their ankle on the trail and it begins to swell. Which acronym describes the correct initial first aid treatment?
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) (Correct answer)
- FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
- ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
- SAMPLE (Signs, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent, Last, Events)
Correct answer: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation — is the standard first aid protocol for sprains and soft-tissue injuries to reduce swelling and pain.
Question 2: When immobilizing a fractured limb with a splint, what is the most important rule regarding the joints?
- Immobilize the joint above and below the fracture site (Correct answer)
- Only immobilize the joint closest to the fracture
- Immobilize only the fracture site itself
- Flex both joints before splinting
Correct answer: Immobilize the joint above and below the fracture site
A splint must immobilize the joints above and below the fracture to prevent movement that could worsen the injury.
Question 3: A child falls off playground equipment and complains of elbow pain. The arm appears normal but movement is limited. What should you suspect?
- Fracture or dislocation requiring medical evaluation (Correct answer)
- Minor bruise that will resolve without treatment
- Muscle cramp that needs stretching
- Tendon rupture requiring immediate surgery
Correct answer: Fracture or dislocation requiring medical evaluation
Limited range of motion and point tenderness after a fall in a child suggests a possible fracture or dislocation that requires X-ray and medical evaluation.
Question 4: Which sign most reliably indicates an open (compound) fracture versus a closed fracture?
- Bone visible through the skin or a wound over the fracture site (Correct answer)
- Swelling at the injury site
- Bruising around the injury
- Pain with movement
Correct answer: Bone visible through the skin or a wound over the fracture site
An open fracture is identified by bone protruding through the skin or a wound at the fracture site, distinguishing it from a closed fracture.
Question 5: A worker suffers a shoulder dislocation. While waiting for EMS, what should you NOT do?
- Attempt to force the shoulder back into place (Correct answer)
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Immobilize the arm in the position found
- Reassure and monitor the patient
Correct answer: Attempt to force the shoulder back into place
Attempting to reduce a dislocation in the field can cause nerve damage, blood vessel injury, or fracture and must be done only by trained medical personnel.
Question 6: A patient has a suspected leg fracture with no open wound. The limb is cold and pale below the injury. What does this indicate?
- Possible vascular compromise requiring urgent care (Correct answer)
- Normal swelling from the fracture
- Mild nerve bruising that will resolve
- Skin discoloration from normal bruising
Correct answer: Possible vascular compromise requiring urgent care
Coolness and pallor distal to a fracture suggest compromised blood flow, which is a serious emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
