A school nurse is called after a student falls down a flight of stairs. The student is breathing but unconscious. After calling the ambulance, what should the nurse do?

1. assess the neck for movement
2. place the patient on the side to prevent aspiration
3. immobilize the neck, securing the head
4. try to rouse the patient by gently shaking the shoulders


Correct Answer: 3
Guidelines for emergency care include avoiding flexing, extending, or rotating the neck; immobilizing the neck; and securing the head. Assessing the neck for movement could cause or exacerbate a cervical injury. The side-lying position should be used if the patient vomits; however, this position should not be used in the immediate care of this patient. This patient is unconscious, and the nurse must protect the neck from any (or any further) damage. Rousing the patient by shaking could cause damage to the spinal cord.

Nursing

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What will be an ideal response?

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