Spinal Immobiliization: Seated patient

Question 1

What are the first four steps of spinal immobilization?

Answer 1

Take Standard precautions

Direct assistant to place the head in the neutral, in line position

Direct assistant to maintain manual stabilization of the head

Reassess motor, sensory and circulatory functions in each extremity

Question 2

What are steps 5-10 of spinal immobilization?

Answer 2

Apply appropriate sized C-collar

Positions the immobilization device behind the patient

Secure the device to the patient’s torso

Evaluates torso fixation and adjusts as necessary

Evaluates and pads behind the patient’s head as necessary

Secures the patient’s head to the device

Question 3

What are the final two steps of spinal immobilization of the seated patient?

Answer 3

Verbalize moving the patient to a long backboard

Reassess motor sensory and circulatory function in each extremity