To prevent further injury in suspected head or neck trauma, which action is recommended?

• A. Immobilizing the head, neck, and limbs to prevent further injury
• B. Administering insulin
• C. Performing defibrillation
• D. Administering IV fluids

Answer: (A)

Preventing movement of the spine is the priority when head or neck trauma is suspected. Any movement can worsen a spinal injury and potentially injure the spinal cord, so the best action is to immobilize the head and neck and keep the person still. This often means using a rigid cervical collar if available and securing the person to a backboard or stretcher, avoiding flexion, extension, rotation, or lifting until professional help arrives. After immobilization, assess and support breathing, circulation, and airway as needed.

Other actions don’t address the main risk: they don’t prevent further spinal injury. Administering insulin isn’t helpful for trauma unless there’s a specific medical condition, defibrillation is for cardiac rhythm problems, and IV fluids may be needed later but do not stop the risk of spinal injury during movement.