What is the second step when Clearing the head, neck, and back?

• A. Significant MOI?
• B. Spinal symptoms
• C. Focused spinal assessment
• D. Evaluate neurologic function

Answer: (B)

When clearing the head, neck, and back, you quickly work through a simple sequence to catch potential spinal injuries without moving the patient unnecessarily. The second step is to assess for spinal symptoms—ask about or check for pain along the spine, numbness, tingling, weakness, or any loss of sensation in the limbs. Finding spinal symptoms raises concern for a spinal injury and guides you to maintain immobilization and proceed with careful handling. The first step is recognizing whether there was a significant mechanism of injury, which sets the stage for how cautious you must be with the spine; the subsequent focus on spinal symptoms helps you determine if injury is likely. Later steps involve a more focused spinal assessment and evaluating neurologic function as you gather more information and decide on transport needs.