Broken-bones quiz: Get the facts

Your child is bound to take a few tumbles when hard at play. These spills may result in a broken bone or two. See if you know all you should about mending and caring for broken bones.

1) A fracture is less serious than a broken bone. 

        True or  False

 

2) Which bones do children break most often?

Wrist bones

Forearm bones

Bones above the elbow

All of the above

 

3) If you think your child's arm is broken, test the elbow by bending it to see whether movement is restricted.

True or False

 

4) Temporary splints should be made only out of wood.

True or False

 

5)If your child is in shock, it's best to treat the shock before applying a splint to the wound.

True or False

6) Compound fractures run a higher risk of infection than do simple fractures.

True or False

 

7) A greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture.

True or False

 

8) When a broken bone heals following a reduction, it is slightly shorter than it before the break.

True or False

 

9) Elevating a cast on pillows above the heart can reduce swelling.

True or False

 

10) How long does it take for most fractures to heal?

Three to five weeks

Six to eight weeks

Nine to 12 weeks

More than 12 weeks

 

The answers are below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) The correct answer: False

A fracture is the same as a broken bone.

 

2) The correct answer: All of the above

The majority of childhood fractures occur in the arm and wrist. These fractures are usually the result of falling on the playground or falling during sports activities.
 

3) The correct answer: False

If the bone is indeed broken, movement may cause further damage. Concentrate on obtaining prompt medical attention and comforting your child.
 

4) The correct answer: False

Splints can be made of wood, plastic, metal or other rigid materials. If possible, also try to provide some thin cushioning in your temporary splint.
 

5) The correct answer: True

Shock should be treated first. Signs and symptoms of shock include paleness, sweatiness, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, or being lightheaded or unconscious
 

6) The correct answer: True 

In a compound fracture, the broken bone protrudes through the skin. This creates a much higher risk of infection than does a simple fracture, in which the broken bone is concealed.
 

7) The correct answer: True

An incomplete fracture occurs when part of the bone cracks without separating into two pieces. This includes the greenstick fracture — so named because the bone breaks like a broken green stick instead of a dry twig.
 

8) The correct answer: False

Reduction is the medical term for setting the bone into proper alignment.
 

9) The correct answer: True

Elevation of the cast is recommended to reduce swelling.
 

10) The correct answer: Six to eight weeks

The majority of fractures heal within six to eight weeks. Even healed fractures may have evidence of the fracture site visible on x-rays.