How should the patient be secured during spinal motion restriction?

How should the patient be secured during spinal motion restriction?

• A. Prone position
• B. Upright seated
• C. On side
• D. Supine or position of comfort if not tolerated

Answer: (D)

Spinal motion restriction is about preventing movement of the spine during transport to minimize secondary injury and keep the spine in a stable, neutral alignment. The best way to secure the patient is to place them supine (on the back) with the neck stabilized, and to immobilize them on a rigid device or backboard with proper restraints so the head, torso, and pelvis stay aligned and cannot move. If the patient cannot tolerate lying flat, you should keep them immobilized in the position of comfort that still minimizes movement and maintains airway when possible. This approach prioritizes keeping the spine as still as possible while addressing breathing and comfort needs. Positions like prone, upright seated, or lying on the side allow more movement or misalignment of the spine and are less appropriate for spinal motion restriction, which is why they’re not preferred.

Spinal motion restriction is about preventing movement of the spine during transport to minimize secondary injury and keep the spine in a stable, neutral alignment. The best way to secure the patient is to place them supine (on the back) with the neck stabilized, and to immobilize them on a rigid device or backboard with proper restraints so the head, torso, and pelvis stay aligned and cannot move.

If the patient cannot tolerate lying flat, you should keep them immobilized in the position of comfort that still minimizes movement and maintains airway when possible. This approach prioritizes keeping the spine as still as possible while addressing breathing and comfort needs.

Positions like prone, upright seated, or lying on the side allow more movement or misalignment of the spine and are less appropriate for spinal motion restriction, which is why they’re not preferred.