TL;DR
Master the assessment and stabilization of musculoskeletal injuries including fractures and dislocations. Proper immobilization prevents secondary injury and is a tested competency.
Free Musculoskeletal Injuries Practice Questions
NREMT EMT Certification · Trauma
This module covers Musculoskeletal Injuries as part of the Trauma section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | NREMT EMT Certification |
| Pass Rate | 67% |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Module | Musculoskeletal Injuries |
Why Musculoskeletal Injuries matters
Musculoskeletal Injuries is a commonly tested topic on the NREMT EMT Certification because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. After applying a splint to a patient's lower leg, you recheck the neurovascular status and find that the distal pulse is now absent, the foot is pale, and the patient reports numbness. The pulse was present before splinting. What should you do?
- Loosen the splint and reassess the distal pulse immediately
- Leave the splint as is and transport quickly
- Remove the splint entirely and leave the leg unsplinted
- Elevate the leg above heart level to restore circulation
2. A patient has an open fracture of the tibia with bone protruding through the skin. There is moderate bleeding from the wound. What is the CORRECT order of management?
- Control bleeding with direct pressure around (not on) the bone end, cover the wound and bone with a moist sterile dressing, and splint the extremity
- Push the bone back under the skin, then apply a pressure dressing and splint
- Apply a tourniquet first, then splint without addressing the wound
- Splint the leg first, then address the wound
3. A patient has a closed femur fracture with significant thigh swelling. Vital signs are HR 120, BP 90/60. There is no external bleeding. How much blood can be lost internally from a single closed femur fracture in an adult?
- Up to 1,000-1,500 mL (1-1.5 liters)
- Less than 100 mL
- Up to 250 mL
- Over 3,000 mL (3 liters)
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Start practicing free →4. A patient has a suspected dislocation of the anterior shoulder — the arm is held away from the body in a fixed position, and the shoulder appears squared off. What is the CORRECT prehospital management?
- Immobilize the arm in the position found using a sling and swathe, apply ice, and transport
- Attempt to reduce (relocate) the shoulder in the field
- Strap the arm against the body in an adducted position
- Apply a traction splint to the arm
5. A patient has a closed fracture of the right tibia. During transport, you notice the leg below the fracture is becoming increasingly tense, pale, and painful despite adequate splinting. The patient rates the pain as 10/10 and it worsens with passive toe movement. What is the MOST likely complication?
- Compartment syndrome — the splint may need to be loosened and emergent transport is required
- The splint is too loose and needs to be tightened
- Normal post-fracture swelling that requires no intervention
- A blood clot forming in the leg (DVT)
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