The trauma client's spinal cord must be protected from injury. Therefore, the nurse should:
1. Apply a rigid cervical collar and logroll the client.
2. Keep the client on a backboard for the first 24 hours.
3. Keep the client supine until all diagnostic exams have been completed.
4. Keep the client flat and run a hand underneath to assess for posterior injuries.
Apply a rigid cervical collar and logroll the client.
Rationale: For trauma clients, approximately 55% of spinal injuries occur in the cervical region; therefore, a rigid cervical collar is a must to prevent further injury. Manual stabilization of the spine is maintained while the client is turned using the logrolling technique. All sources of bleeding must be ruled out, so the back of the patient must be assessed. Diagnostic exams are done with lifting help to maintain a stable spine. A backboard is removed shortly after the client arrives at the emergency department.
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