A patient is brought by friends to the ED after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The patient sustained blunt trauma to the abdomen. What nursing action would be most appropriate for this patient?
A) Ambulate the patient to expel flatus.
B) Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
C) Immobilize the patient on a backboard.
D) Place the patient in a left lateral position.
Ans: C
Feedback:
When admitted for blunt trauma, patients must be immobilized until spinal injury is ruled out. Ambulation, side-lying, and upright positioning would be contraindicated until spinal injury is ruled out.
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