Question

The nurse cares for a client presenting with suspected cervical spine fracture. The client is alert, oriented, and moving all extremities but complains of head and neck pain. Which is the priority nursing intervention?

1) Assist the client into a hospital gown to prepare for a cervical spine imaging.
2) Immobilize the client's neck until cervical spine imaging can be obtained.
3) Provide the client with pain medications as prescribed by the HCP.
4) Establish intravenous access for fluid and medication administration.

Answer 1

The priority nursing intervention for a client presenting with suspected cervical spine fracture is to immobilize the client's neck until cervical spine imaging can be obtained.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing intervention for a client presenting with suspected cervical spine fracture, who is alert, oriented, and moving all extremities but complains of head and neck pain, is 2) Immobilize the client's neck until cervical spine imaging can be obtained.

Immobilizing the neck is important to prevent further injury and potential damage to the cervical spine. It helps stabilize the area and reduce movement that could worsen the condition. It is essential to wait for cervical spine imaging to confirm the presence of a fracture and guide further treatment.

The other options may be important interventions, but in this scenario, immobilizing the neck takes priority to ensure the safety and well-being of the client.