Which condition is a contraindication to C-spine realignment?

Which condition is a contraindication to C-spine realignment?

• A. Airway compromise
• B. Normal mobility of spine
• C. Weak pulse
• D. At patient request

Answer: (A)

Airway safety dictates the priorities in trauma care. If the patient’s airway is compromised, attempting to realign the cervical spine can worsen obstruction or cause further injury, so C-spine realignment is contraindicated until the airway is secured and stabilized. In other words, maintaining a patent airway takes precedence over repositioning the neck. The other options don’t inherently prevent realignment: normal spine mobility suggests no unstable injury requiring restricted movement, a weak pulse is a sign of possible shock but not an absolute barrier to cervical spine management, and a patient requesting it isn’t a medical contraindication.

Airway safety dictates the priorities in trauma care. If the patient’s airway is compromised, attempting to realign the cervical spine can worsen obstruction or cause further injury, so C-spine realignment is contraindicated until the airway is secured and stabilized. In other words, maintaining a patent airway takes precedence over repositioning the neck. The other options don’t inherently prevent realignment: normal spine mobility suggests no unstable injury requiring restricted movement, a weak pulse is a sign of possible shock but not an absolute barrier to cervical spine management, and a patient requesting it isn’t a medical contraindication.