New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

How is a closed bone or joint injury best defined?

1. As an injury that involves a break in the bone

2. As an injury where the skin remains intact

3. As an injury that causes significant swelling

4. As an injury that requires immediate surgical intervention

The correct answer is: As an injury where the skin remains intact

A closed bone or joint injury is best defined as an injury where the skin remains intact. This means that although there may be damage to the bone or joint structure beneath the skin, there is no break in the skin itself, which differentiates it from an open injury where the skin is breached. In closed injuries, the underlying tissues can sustain damage such as fractures, sprains, or strains without the risk of contamination from the external environment, which is a concern with open injuries. Understanding this definition is important in emergency medical situations as it helps in determining the appropriate treatment and the potential for complications related to infection. The other contexts provided do not precisely define a closed injury; for example, while a closed injury may cause swelling, significant swelling is not a definitive characteristic. Similarly, immediate surgical intervention might be required for some open injuries or severely displaced fractures, but that is not a standard requirement for closed injuries. Lastly, a closed bone or joint injury does not necessarily involve a break in the bone itself, as some closed injuries may not involve fractures at all.