When should patients with possible neck or back injuries be moved?

When should patients with possible neck or back injuries be moved?

• A. After an across-the-table lateral spine is done and cleared by a physician
• B. Immediately without clearance
• C. After the patient signs consent
• D. After completing a shoulder radiograph

Answer: (A)

Protecting the spine is the priority when there is possible neck or back injury. Movement should wait until the spine has been evaluated with an across-the-table lateral spine view and cleared by a physician, meaning there’s no evidence of an acute injury that would be made worse by movement. This clearance allows safe repositioning and transport. Moving before clearance can risk worsening a spinal injury. Consent or unrelated imaging, like a shoulder radiograph, does not determine when it’s safe to move.

Protecting the spine is the priority when there is possible neck or back injury. Movement should wait until the spine has been evaluated with an across-the-table lateral spine view and cleared by a physician, meaning there’s no evidence of an acute injury that would be made worse by movement. This clearance allows safe repositioning and transport. Moving before clearance can risk worsening a spinal injury. Consent or unrelated imaging, like a shoulder radiograph, does not determine when it’s safe to move.