Fractures and dislocations: transport of an amputated part: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fractures and dislocations: transport of an amputated part

Sample item

A worker's finger is amputated by a machine. How should the part be transported to the replantation centre?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Wrapped in saline-moistened gauze, sealed in a plastic bag and placed on ice

The part should be cleaned gently, wrapped in saline-moistened gauze, sealed in a bag and then cooled on ice, with no direct contact between tissue and ice. Cooling extends the tolerable ischaemia time, while direct contact with ice causes freeze injury. Antiseptics damage the tissue, and warmth speeds up ischaemic damage.

Option by option

  • A. Immersed in an antiseptic spirit solution

    Antiseptic solutions damage the cells and make replantation less likely to succeed.

  • B. Wrapped in saline-moistened gauze, sealed in a plastic bag and placed on ice (correct)

    Correct. Moist wrapping in a sealed bag on ice cools the part without freezing it.

  • C. Placed directly on crushed ice

    Direct contact with ice causes freeze injury to the tissue.

  • D. Wrapped in dry cloth and kept warm

    Warm, dry storage shortens the viable ischaemia time.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, Wrapped in saline-moistened gauze, sealed in a plastic bag and placed on ice. The part should be cleaned gently, wrapped in saline-moistened gauze, sealed in a bag and then cooled on ice, with no direct contact between tissue and ice.

Why is "Immersed in an antiseptic spirit solution" not the answer?

Antiseptic solutions damage the cells and make replantation less likely to succeed.

Why is "Placed directly on crushed ice" not the answer?

Direct contact with ice causes freeze injury to the tissue.

Why is "Wrapped in dry cloth and kept warm" not the answer?

Warm, dry storage shortens the viable ischaemia time.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: transport of an amputated part in Orthopaedics. Cooling extends the tolerable ischaemia time, while direct contact with ice causes freeze injury. Antiseptics damage the tissue, and warmth speeds up ischaemic damage.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fractures and dislocations: transport of an amputated part?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.