Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Orthopedic Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary function of a cast in orthopedic

care?

• To reduce inflammation
• To immobilize a fracture
• To increase circulation
• To provide pain relief
• To immobilize a fracture

Rationale: The main purpose of a cast is to immobilize the fractured

bone, allowing proper alignment and healing.

• Which type of fracture is characterized by a bone breaking into

multiple pieces? 1 / 4

• Greenstick
• Comminuted
• Transverse
• Oblique
• Comminuted

Rationale: Comminuted fractures occur when the bone shatters into

three or more fragments, often requiring surgical fixation.

• What is the most common site for a Colles fracture?
• Distal radius
• Proximal humerus
• Tibial plateau
• Distal femur
• Distal radius

Rationale: Colles fractures typically involve the distal radius, often

resulting from a fall on an outstretched hand.

• Which orthopedic device is used to maintain traction in a lower limb

fracture?

• Splint
• Cast
• External fixator
• Skeletal traction
• Skeletal traction

Rationale: Skeletal traction uses pins or wires inserted into the bone 2 / 4

to apply a pulling force, stabilizing fractures and maintaining alignment.

• What is the primary purpose of a pneumatic tourniquet in orthopedic

surgery?

• Increase blood flow
• Reduce intraoperative bleeding
• Prevent infection
• Stabilize the fracture
• Reduce intraoperative bleeding

Rationale: Pneumatic tourniquets temporarily restrict blood flow to

the limb, minimizing bleeding during surgery.

• A patient presents with swelling, bruising, and a palpable gap in the

bone. What is the most likely condition?

• Sprain
• Strain
• Fracture
• Contusion
• Fracture

Rationale: Swelling, bruising, and a palpable bone gap are classic

signs of a fracture.

• Which nerve is most at risk with a midshaft humeral fracture?
• Radial nerve
• Ulnar nerve 3 / 4

• Median nerve
• Axillary nerve
• Radial nerve

Rationale: The radial nerve runs along the humeral shaft and can be

damaged in midshaft fractures, causing wrist drop.

• What is the proper position for immobilization of a sprained ankle?
• Plantarflexion
• Neutral dorsiflexion
• Full inversion
• Full eversion
• Neutral dorsiflexion

Rationale: Immobilizing the ankle in neutral dorsiflexion helps

maintain proper alignment and reduces further injury.

• Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting stress

fractures?

• X-ray
• CT scan

C. MRI

• Ultrasound

C. MRI

Rationale: MRI is highly sensitive for early detection of stress

fractures, even before they appear on X-rays.

• / 4