Approach to blunt traumatic cervical spine injuries Quiz: Ace Your Exams

Get ready to dominate your medical and nursing exams by using our dynamic quizzes to elevate your knowledge and increase your confidence. Whether you're gearing up for the USMLE®, COMLEX®, or your next in-class assessment, Osmosis quizzes tackle key topics in pathology, diagnostics, and treatment approaches. By honing in on clinical readiness and decision-making, we make sure the knowledge you gain empowers you both in the classroom and in real-world practice. Jump in and supercharge your exam prep!

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A 22-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services (EMS) after a diving accident. The patient was diving into a shallow pool when he struck his head at the bottom of the pool. He then rose to the surface unresponsive. Friends at the scene said the patient has no significant past medical history and does not take any medications or use recreational substances. On primary survey, the patient is incoherent with poor respiratory effort. Breath sounds are diminished bilaterally. The patient has 2+ pulses in the upper and lower extremities with capillary refill < 2 seconds. The patient has no spontaneous movement in the upper and lower extremities bilaterally. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is 7. Temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 66/min, respirations are 7/min, blood pressure is 100/84 mmHg, and oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Which of the following is the next best step in management?

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Cricothyrotomy

Placement of a soft cervical collar

In-line cervical spine stabilization followed by rapid sequence intubation

Rapid sequence intubation followed by placement of a soft cervical collar

Bilateral chest tube placement