Once a cervical collar has been applied to a patient with a possible spinal injury, it should not be removed unless:

Once a cervical collar has been applied to a patient with a possible spinal injury, it should not be removed unless:

• A. Lateral immobilization has been applied
• B. It causes a problem managing the airway
• C. Sensory and motor functions remain intact
• D. The patient adamantly denies neck pain

Answer: (B)

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of airway management in patients who may have sustained a spinal injury. Once a cervical collar is applied, it is intended to stabilize the cervical spine and prevent further injury. However, the collar can potentially interfere with airway management if it restricts access or impedes intubation in cases where the patient's airway becomes compromised. In situations where the cervical collar is causing difficulty in managing the airway, it is critical to reassess and possibly remove the collar to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately and that life-saving interventions can be performed. Maintaining an open and clear airway takes precedence over immobilization, especially if the collar is obstructive. Other options focus on conditions that do not necessarily warrant the removal of the collar, such as the status of sensory and motor functions or the patient's subjective reporting of neck pain. While these factors are important for evaluating the patient's condition, they do not take precedence over airway management needs in emergency situations.

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of airway management in patients who may have sustained a spinal injury. Once a cervical collar is applied, it is intended to stabilize the cervical spine and prevent further injury. However, the collar can potentially interfere with airway management if it restricts access or impedes intubation in cases where the patient's airway becomes compromised.

In situations where the cervical collar is causing difficulty in managing the airway, it is critical to reassess and possibly remove the collar to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately and that life-saving interventions can be performed. Maintaining an open and clear airway takes precedence over immobilization, especially if the collar is obstructive.

Other options focus on conditions that do not necessarily warrant the removal of the collar, such as the status of sensory and motor functions or the patient's subjective reporting of neck pain. While these factors are important for evaluating the patient's condition, they do not take precedence over airway management needs in emergency situations.