Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

What is the primary consideration when managing a patient with suspected spinal injury during transport?

1. Ensuring the patient's airway is clear

2. Administering IV fluids

3. Monitoring vital signs

4. Maintaining spinal alignment

The correct answer is: Maintaining spinal alignment

Maintaining spinal alignment is crucial for patients with suspected spinal injuries during transport. This is because spinal injuries can lead to potential damage to the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis or other severe neurological deficits. By ensuring that the spine remains in a neutral position, you reduce the risk of exacerbating any existing injury. Proper spinal alignment helps to prevent further compression of the spinal cord and minimizes the risk of secondary injuries as the patient is moved. In contrast, while ensuring the airway is clear, administering IV fluids, and monitoring vital signs are also important aspects of trauma management, they take a secondary role in this specific scenario. The priority in the presence of a suspected spinal injury must focus on immobilization and aligning the spine to avoid any further injury during transport. This is a fundamental aspect of prehospital trauma care and is emphasized in the PHTLS guidelines.