Which protocol involves restricting movement of the head, neck, back, and pelvis to prevent further spinal injury?

Which protocol involves restricting movement of the head, neck, back, and pelvis to prevent further spinal injury?

• A. Open Wounds Care
• B. Nosebleeds Care
• C. Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR)
• D. Anaphylaxis

Answer: (C)

When there’s a potential for spinal injury, the goal is to prevent any further movement of the spine to avoid worsening damage to the spinal cord. Spinal Motion Restriction is the protocol designed for this purpose. It focuses on keeping the head, neck, back, and pelvis in alignment and not moving them during the assessment and transport of the patient. This is achieved through methods like manual in-line stabilization of the head, using a cervical collar if trained and available, and securing the patient to a spine board or immobilization device with straps to maintain alignment. By eliminating movement, SMR helps protect the spine from secondary injury as you manage the casualty. The other options deal with non-spinal issues: Open Wounds Care centers on bleeding control and wound dressing, Nosebleeds Care handles nasal bleeding, and Anaphylaxis relates to a severe allergic reaction requiring airway management and likely epinephrine. None of these approaches focus on immobilizing the spine, which is why SMR is the correct choice.

When there’s a potential for spinal injury, the goal is to prevent any further movement of the spine to avoid worsening damage to the spinal cord. Spinal Motion Restriction is the protocol designed for this purpose. It focuses on keeping the head, neck, back, and pelvis in alignment and not moving them during the assessment and transport of the patient. This is achieved through methods like manual in-line stabilization of the head, using a cervical collar if trained and available, and securing the patient to a spine board or immobilization device with straps to maintain alignment. By eliminating movement, SMR helps protect the spine from secondary injury as you manage the casualty.

The other options deal with non-spinal issues: Open Wounds Care centers on bleeding control and wound dressing, Nosebleeds Care handles nasal bleeding, and Anaphylaxis relates to a severe allergic reaction requiring airway management and likely epinephrine. None of these approaches focus on immobilizing the spine, which is why SMR is the correct choice.