For a patient suspected of having a spinal injury, what intervention should be prioritized?

When a patient is suspected of having a spinal injury, the most critical intervention is stabilization of the spine and avoidance of movement. This is vital because any movement can exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to further spinal cord damage or worsening neurological deficits. The spinal cord is highly sensitive, and even minor adjustments can lead to significant consequences, such as paralysis.

Stabilizing the spine often involves careful manual stabilization and the use of a cervical collar and backboard if necessary. This ensures that the head, neck, and spine remain aligned and that there is no additional stress placed on the spinal column during assessment and transport.

While administering pain relief might be helpful later in the care process, it should not take precedence over the immediate need to stabilize the spine. Encouraging fluid intake, while important in some scenarios, is not a priority in the presence of suspected spinal injury due to the potential risk of aspiration if the patient's airway is compromised. Lastly, performing immediate CPR is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest but is not indicated unless there is a clear absence of pulse and breathing, not solely due to spinal injury concerns.