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EMS arrives with the intoxicated driver of a car involved in a MVC. EMS reports significant damage to the drivers side of the car. The patient is asking to have the cervical color removed. when is it appropriate to remove the cervical collar?
EMS arrives with the intoxicated driver of a car involved in a MVC. EMS reports significant damage to the drivers side of the car. The patient is asking to have the cervical color removed. when is it appropriate to remove the cervical collar? A) after a physical examination if the patient has no radiologic abnormalities on a computed tomography scan
B) after physician evaluation if the patient has not neurologic abnormalities on exam
C) after palpation of the spine if the patient has no point tenderness the the vertebral column
D) after physical examination if the patient has not neck pain with movement
Final answer:The cervical collar should only be removed after a physical examination and confirmation from a CT scan that there are no radiologic abnormalities. This ensures patient safety by carefully ruling out any spinal injuries before making decisions on spinal stabilization devices. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.Explanation:The question of when it is appropriate to remove a cervical collar after a motor vehicle collision (MVC) and the involvement of an intoxicated driver brings attention to the critical importance of spinal assessment procedures. The correct option is A) after a physical examination if the patient has no radiologic abnormalities on a computed tomography (CT) scan. This approach underscores the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation to rule out any spinal injuries or abnormalities before making decisions on spinal immobilization devices like a cervical collar. CT scans provide detailed imagery that, coupled with a comprehensive physical exam, can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about spine safety. It's crucial that EMS personnel, emergency room doctors, and all healthcare providers involved understand that premature removal of the cervical collar without appropriate radiologic evidence can lead to devastating outcomes for the patient if there are undiagnosed spinal injuries. Therefore, the correct answer is option A....