Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

Assessing for a possible spinal injury in a trauma patient is crucial for preventing further harm. The correct approach involves looking for pain, tenderness, or deformities along the spine. This method is essential because any abnormalities in the spine can indicate a potential injury. Observing and palpating the spinal region allows the examiner to identify areas of pain or structural changes, such as swelling or misalignment, which are critical signs of a spinal injury.

Assessing for altered mental status, while potentially important in a trauma scenario, does not directly indicate a spinal injury. Mental state changes could result from various factors including head injuries, which may not provide specific information about the spine. Evaluating movement in the extremities can be useful, but the absence of movement does not necessarily confirm or rule out a spinal injury. Finally, blood pressure stability is relevant for overall assessment and management of shock but does not specifically assess spinal integrity. Thus, the focus on pain, tenderness, or deformities along the spine directly targets the relevant physical examination necessary for identifying spinal injuries.