Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

When is it appropriate to remove the cervical collar from a patient post-MVC?

1. After a physical examination with no radiologic abnormalities

2. After physician evaluation with no neurologic abnormalities

3. After palpation of the spine with no point tenderness

4. After physical examination without neck pain on movement

The correct answer is: After a physical examination with no radiologic abnormalities

The most appropriate time to remove the cervical collar from a patient post-motor vehicle collision (MVC) involves the comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition, particularly focusing on the absence of significant injuries. Removing the cervical collar should ideally occur once a thorough physical examination has been conducted and reveals no radiologic abnormalities. Radiologic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, is critical in confirming that there are no fractures, dislocations, or other structural injuries to the cervical spine. This is essential because even the slightest undetected injury can lead to serious complications if the collar is removed prematurely. If the imaging confirms that the cervical spine is intact and there are no abnormalities, it is safe to remove the collar, allowing for patient comfort and facilitating further evaluation and treatment. While other options refer to neurologic evaluations, palpation, or neck movement without pain, they do not encompass the same level of thorough risk assessment that imaging results provide. Thus, relying solely on these assessments may not guarantee that the cervical spine is free from injury. Therefore, conducting a physical examination that includes imaging with no abnormalities is the most reliable indicator for collar removal.