A 30-year-old male is brought to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident. He is conscious and complaining of severe neck pain. On examination, you note weakness in both upper extremities with intact sensation. What would be the most appropriate initial management for this patient?
Apply a cervical collar and secure the patient to a backboard
Begin a CT scan to evaluate for bleeding
Give intravenous analgesics without immobilization
Administer a neuromuscular blocker for immediate management
The appropriate initial management for this patient involves immobilizing the cervical spine. This step is critical in preventing further injury, especially if there is a potential spinal cord injury indicated by the weakness. Other options, like providing analgesia first or immediately initiating a CT scan, fail to address the risk of exacerbating a potential spinal injury that could lead to permanent loss of function.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why is it important to immobilize the cervical spine in trauma patients?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the potential consequences of not immobilizing a patient with neck pain after trauma?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are some signs that suggest a spinal cord injury in trauma patients?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Neurological Emergencies
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access