What should be done if you suspect a patient has a spinal injury?

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If a spinal injury is suspected, minimizing movement and stabilizing the head and neck of the patient is crucial to prevent further injury. The spinal cord is a delicate structure, and any unnecessary movement can exacerbate damage, potentially leading to permanent disability or even death. By stabilizing the head and neck, you help to prevent any movement that may cause injury to the spinal cord while maintaining airway stability.

Moving the patient, as suggested in encouraging them to shift for comfort, could worsen their condition. Urgent transport without ensuring the patient's stability also poses significant risks, as it can lead to further spinal column disruption. Checking for responsiveness is important in assessing the patient's overall condition but does not specifically address the immediate need to prevent spinal movement and ensure safety. Thus, the focus in suspected spinal injury scenarios is to minimize movement and stabilize the head and neck.

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