Back Take the Repetitive-Stress Injuries Test Repetitive-stress injuries (RSIs) can be painful and debilitating, causing damage to tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles over time. Also called repetitive motion syndromes, RSIs can affect almost any part of the body. Test your knowledge of RSIs by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. Which of these activities can result in a repetitive-stress injury? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Baseball pitchers, musicians, and people who type all can suffer from RSI. The term RSI covers a broad range of injuries to tendons, nerves, and the circulatory system that result from long-term and repeated physical exertion. A. Pitching a baseballB. Playing the violinC. TypingD. All of the above 2. What are the warning signs of RSI? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Localized fatigue and pain in the wrist, forearm, elbow, or shoulder may indicate strain. Rest usually improves the symptoms. Numbness or pain in the wrist at night, hours after stopping a repeated task, may indicate the problem isn't work-related. A. Feverish jointB. Loss of muscle strengthC. PainD. B and C 3. Why is RSI difficult to diagnose and treat? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A diagnosis depends on subjective descriptions instead of a lab test. A. It may or may not result from work-related tasksB. Underlying physical conditions and physical differences may increase riskC. There are no definitive diagnostic testsD. All of the above 4. Which of these unhealthful habits may make RSI worse? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Tense muscles tire quickly, and smokers tend to experience more severe symptoms. A. Not managing stressB. Smoking cigarettesC. Drinking too much alcoholD. A and B 5. The National Standards Institute says that ergonomically correct workstations should include which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The key is to arrange your workstation so you can work without muscle strain. Detachable/adjustable elements help. A. Wrist padsB. Adjustable document holdersC. Detachable keyboardsD. B and C 6. Which of these therapies have proved beneficial in treating RSI? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Biofeedback training involves a special electronic machine that teaches the patient to become aware of, to follow, and to gain control over muscle tension and other bodily responses. A. NutritionB. BiofeedbackC. Electrical stimulationD. Psychotherapy 7. Which of these can be the most important factor in preventing RSI in people who work at computer workstations? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You can have ergonomically correct furniture and still experience a RSI if your posture is incorrect. Relax your shoulders, lean against your chair's back, and keep your wrists straight when you type. A. Ergonomically correct deskB. Ergonomically correct chairC. Correct postureD. Wrist pads for the keyboard 8. For people who work with computers, which of these reduces the risk of RSI? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A good rule of thumb: Take 5- to 10-minute breaks after each hour of typing. Studies show taking breaks increases efficiency. A. Taking short, frequent breaksB. Wrist padsC. Flat keyboardsD. Not typing more than three hours without taking a break 9. How does exercise help relieve RSI? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Exercise improves muscle tone and reduces stress, both of which help prevent musculoskeletal problems. A. Improves muscle toneB. Reduces tensionC. Increases oxygen supplyD. A and B 10. Which of these doctors are trained specifically to recognize and treat RSI? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This medical specialization focuses on the study and treatment of illnesses and injuries that may occur at work. A. General practitionersB. Occupational-medicine specialistsC. ChiropractorsD. Neurosurgeons Your score was: