New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

A patient with a severe deformity of the forearm is most likely to have what type of injury?

1. Fracture of the proximal forearm

2. Fracture of the distal forearm

3. Fracture of the superior forearm

4. Fracture of the dorsal forearm

The correct answer is: Fracture of the distal forearm

The presence of a severe deformity in the forearm usually points towards a fracture. In this context, a fracture of the distal forearm is more likely to manifest as a significant deformity compared to fractures in other areas due to the nature of the location. The distal forearm is connected to the wrist and hand, and any injury here can disrupt the alignment and function of the wrist and hand, which is critical for many daily activities. Such deformities may include visible angulation or displacement of the bones, which is characteristic of a distal forearm fracture. Understanding the mechanism of injury can also contribute to this assessment, as falls, especially onto an outstretched hand, often result in fractures of the distal forearm. These types of fractures may also lead to complications like median nerve injury or complications involving the wrist if not properly addressed. Other fracture types mentioned, such as proximal or superior forearm injuries, may not present as visibly or dramatically due to their anatomical placement and the structure of the forearm itself. Similarly, a fracture described as "dorsal" doesn't correspond to a common medical classification, making it less likely to be relevant in this scenario. Thus, the specific location of the fracture correlates to its impact on forearm