Which of the following is a technique used to safely move a patient with a suspected spinal injury, ensuring the spine remains aligned throughout the process?

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

Log rolling is the standard, accepted procedure for moving patients with known or suspected spinal injuries.
The primary goal of this technique is to move the patient's body as a single, rigid unit, similar to a log.
This action keeps the head, neck, and spine in a straight, neutral alignment, which is critical to prevent secondary injury to the spinal cord.
As depicted in the image, the procedure requires a coordinated team, with one rescuer designated to maintain manual stabilization of the head and neck throughout the move.

Option A: The chin lift maneuver involves tilting the head back and lifting the chin, which hyperextends the neck. This movement is dangerous and strictly contraindicated in a patient with a suspected spinal injury.
Option B: The modified Valsalva maneuver is a technique used to treat certain types of rapid heart rhythms (supraventricular tachycardia) by stimulating the vagus nerve. It has no application in moving a trauma patient.
Option D: The jaw thrust maneuver is a technique to open a patient's airway. While it is the preferred method for airway management in a patient with a suspected spinal injury (because it avoids neck movement), its purpose is not to move the patient's body.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Safe patient handling and transfer techniques for suspected spinal cord injury to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Improper handling of a patient with a potential spinal injury can convert a stable fracture into an unstable one, potentially causing permanent paralysis or death.
The nurse positioned at the patient's head acts as the leader during a log roll. This nurse is responsible for giving clear, concise commands to the team to ensure the turn is smooth and synchronized.
What if? If an adequate number of personnel (at least 3-4) are not available, a log roll should not be attempted. The priority is to stabilize the patient in place, maintain the airway using a jaw thrust if needed, and call for additional help.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core clinical problem in the question: moving a patient with a 'suspected spinal injury'.
Next, identify the critical safety requirement: 'ensuring the spine remains aligned'.
Evaluate each option based on its primary purpose. Ask yourself, 'Is this technique for moving the body or for something else?'
Differentiate between airway management techniques (chin lift, jaw thrust) and patient movement techniques.
Eliminate the 'Modified Valsalva' as it is unrelated to trauma or patient movement.
Recognize that while the jaw thrust is used in spinal injury patients, it's for the airway, not for moving. The chin lift is contraindicated.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Safe patient handling and transfer techniques for suspected spinal cord injury.
Stem keywords: safely move, patient, suspected spinal injury, spine remains aligned
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Clinical cues: The phrase 'suspected spinal injury' is the most critical cue, as it dictates specific handling precautions.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 334-336

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 166-168

Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.