New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which assessment is crucial for a victim with a suspected spinal injury?

1. Check pulse and respiratory rate.

2. Check for consciousness and orientation.

3. Assess for entry and exit wounds.

4. Stabilize the spine before moving.

The correct answer is: Stabilize the spine before moving.

In the case of a victim with a suspected spinal injury, stabilizing the spine before any movement is critical to prevent further injury. The spinal cord is a delicate structure, and movement without proper stabilization can exacerbate any potential injury, leading to permanent damage or paralysis. When a spinal injury is suspected, it is imperative to minimize any movement that could impact the spine. This involves using appropriate immobilization techniques, such as a neck collar and a backboard, to ensure that the spine is kept in a neutral position. Stabilization helps to protect the spinal cord from additional trauma and is a fundamental step in the management of such injuries. While assessing pulse, respiratory rate, consciousness, and orientation are indeed vital parts of patient assessment and management, they are secondary to ensuring the spine is stabilized in cases of suspected spinal injuries. Similarly, assessing for entry and exit wounds is important in trauma care but does not take precedence over spinal stabilization.