Spinal Assessment Procedure

Question 1

Spinal assessment should not be attempted on what age of patients?

Answer 1

Less than 12 YO, greater than 65 years old.

Question 2

Explain the procedure for clearing the cervical spinal assessment?

Answer 2

1) Palpate the midline of the cervical spine assessing tenderness, crepitus, or step-offs.
2) If none of the above noted, continue down the T, L, and S-spine, assessing for the above.
3) If none found, a C-collar need not be applied

Question 3

If the patient meets the _____, full backboarding is required.

Answer 3

field trauma criteria

Question 4

In the patient not meeting the field trauma criteria, what would cause the need for C-collar placement, but not backboarding.

a) Intoxication
b) ALOC
c) Acute stress reaction
d) All of the above

Answer 4

D) All of the above

Question 5

Backboarding should only be used if the patient meets _____.

Answer 5

field trauma criteria

Question 6

Motor assessment requires _____.

Answer 6

Dorsi and plantar flexion, equal grip strength, ability to move all fingers/toes

Question 7

Sensory assessment requires ____.

Answer 7

ability to feel touch to fingers/toes; withdrawal with pinching the unconscious patient

Question 8

Outline the steps that would lead to a patient NOT requiring c-collar or backboard.

Answer 8

No field trauma criteria met; not intoxicated/no ALOC/older than 12; no distracting injury; normal motor/sensory exam; no spine pain/tenderness