An 8-year-old child is hit by a motor vehicle in the school parking lot. The school nurse notes that the child is responding to verbal stimulation but is not moving his extremities when requested. What is the first action the nurse should take?
a. Wait for the child's parents to arrive.
b. Move the child out of the parking lot.
c. Have someone notify the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
d. Help the child stand to return to play.
ANS: C
The child was involved in a motor vehicle collision and at this time is not able to move his extremities. The child needs immediate attention at a hospital for assessment of the possibility of a spinal cord injury. Because the child cannot move his extremities, the child should not be moved until his cervical and vertebral spines are stabilized. The EMS team can appropriately stabilize the spinal column for transport. Although it is important to notify the parents, the EMS system should be activated and transport arranged for serious injuries. The only indication to move the child is to prevent further trauma.
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