Which of the following is the most important priority when caring for a patient with a shallow-water diving injury?
A) Assessing the cervical spine for deformity
B) Maintaining cervical spine stabilization while opening the airway
C) Removing the patient from the water as soon as possible
D) Initiating rescue breathing once out of the water

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shallow-water diving injuries have a high risk of cervical spine injury, so maintaining cervical spine stabilization while opening the airway is the most important priority to prevent further spinal cord damage. Assessing the cervical spine for deformity should also be done as soon as possible, but it is not the most critical priority. Removing the patient from the water and initiating rescue breathing are important but should be done after ensuring cervical spine stabilization.

Which of the Following Is the Most Important Priority When