Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What should you avoid doing when assessing a young female with neck pain after a vehicle crash?

1. Determining cervical range of motion

2. Applying a cervical collar

3. Checking for pulse in the extremities

4. Examining for bruising or swelling

The correct answer is: Determining cervical range of motion

When assessing a young female with neck pain after a vehicle crash, it is crucial to avoid determining cervical range of motion. This is important because any movement of the cervical spine in the presence of injury can potentially aggravate a spinal injury or exacerbate any existing damage. In cases of trauma, especially following events like a vehicle crash, there is a significant risk of cervical spine injuries. Therefore, it is safer to stabilize the patient's neck using a cervical collar before performing any movements or assessments that involve range of motion. Applying a cervical collar is necessary to protect the spine from further injury. Checking for pulse in the extremities is essential to assess circulation and any potential nerve damage, while examining for bruising or swelling is part of a comprehensive assessment to identify any associated injuries. Therefore, the priority in this scenario is to minimize any movement that could lead to further harm, making the assessment of cervical range of motion inappropriate in this context.