Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

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What is the primary focus when managing a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury?

Improving the patient’s comfort

Minimizing any movement to prevent further injury

The primary focus when managing a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury is to minimize any movement to prevent further injury. This is crucial because even minor movements can exacerbate the spinal injury, leading to increased damage to the spinal cord or surrounding structures. Protecting the spine from unnecessary movement is essential in order to stabilize the patient and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Proper immobilization techniques, such as using a cervical collar and securing the patient to a backboard, are vital components of this approach.

Other aspects of patient care may involve checking for associated injuries or providing comfort, but the priority remains on preventing additional harm to the spinal cord during initial assessment and treatment. Encouraging a patient to move their limbs could lead to worsening their condition, which is why that approach is inappropriate in this scenario.

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Encouraging the patient to move their limbs

Checking for brain injuries

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