A 72-year-old female with kyphosis needs spine immobilization after a minor fall from standing height. What is the correct immobilization step?

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Multiple Choice

A 72-year-old female with kyphosis needs spine immobilization after a minor fall from standing height. What is the correct immobilization step?

Immobilize the neck to prevent a potentially hidden cervical spine injury from worsening during movement. In an elderly patient with kyphosis, even a minor fall can cause cervical fractures or ligament injuries, and signs may be subtle. Applying a properly sized cervical collar provides initial stabilization and helps maintain spinal alignment during assessment and transport. A backboard alone does not protect the cervical region, and a lumbar brace would only limit movement in the lower spine without safeguarding the neck. Not immobilizing is unsafe given the mechanism and age. So the best first step is to apply a cervical collar to stabilize the neck.

Immobilize the neck to prevent a potentially hidden cervical spine injury from worsening during movement. In an elderly patient with kyphosis, even a minor fall can cause cervical fractures or ligament injuries, and signs may be subtle. Applying a properly sized cervical collar provides initial stabilization and helps maintain spinal alignment during assessment and transport. A backboard alone does not protect the cervical region, and a lumbar brace would only limit movement in the lower spine without safeguarding the neck. Not immobilizing is unsafe given the mechanism and age. So the best first step is to apply a cervical collar to stabilize the neck.

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