1. Which symptom is a possible sign of a spinal injury?
Not quite
Tingling or numbness can mean the spinal cord or nerves are involved. Itching, sneezing, and a sore throat are not typical signs of a spinal injury.
Head, Neck & Spinal Injury Practice Questions
Suspected spinal injuries demand careful handling. This part of the exam covers recognizing a possible head, neck, or spinal injury and minimizing movement to prevent further harm.
Topics include the causes and signs of spinal injury, manual in-line stabilization, in-water techniques such as the head-splint, and backboarding a victim with a team.
Questions last reviewed June 2026 · AHA/ECC guidelinesHow our questions are made
What this part of the exam covers
- Causes that suggest a spinal injury (falls, shallow-water diving, high impact)
- Signs and symptoms of a possible spinal injury
- Manual in-line stabilization to minimize head and neck movement
- In-water spinal techniques such as the head-splint
- Backboarding and keeping the airway open while limiting movement
Practice questions
Choose an answer to test yourself — the explanation appears once you answer.
2. Which statement is correct when caring for a suspected spinal injury?
Not quite
Breathing problems can become life-threatening very quickly. If the person cannot breathe, give airway and breathing care first, even when spinal precautions are needed.
3. When backboarding a person with a suspected spinal injury, what is the safest approach?
Not quite
In suspected spinal injury care, the goal is to minimize movement and remove the person only when needed. A team approach helps control the person and limit spinal movement during removal.
4. A person with a suspected spinal injury is not breathing. What should you do?
Not quite
Airway and breathing come first when they are life-threatening. Do not delay needed breathing care just to avoid spinal movement.
5. A person has a head injury after a high-impact collision. What should you consider?
Not quite
High-impact incidents can injure the head, neck, and spine. A head injury after that kind of event should raise concern for a spinal injury.
6. What is the purpose of an in-water head-splint technique?
Not quite
An in-water head-splint helps protect the airway while reducing movement of the head and neck. It is not used to test the person or force water out of the lungs.
7. A person is confused, has neck pain, and cannot move one arm well after a dive. What should you suspect?
Not quite
Neck pain, weakness, and confusion after a dive are warning signs of a possible spinal injury. Treat this as serious.
8. When you are holding a person's head and neck for suspected spinal injury, what is the best general aim?
Not quite
The goal is to minimize movement and keep the head and neck still. Keep the head in a neutral position if you can do so safely. Sharp turning, bending, or lifting can increase the risk of more spinal damage.
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Frequently asked questions
- When should you suspect a spinal injury?
- Suspect a spinal injury after falls from a height, diving into shallow water, high-impact incidents, or any significant head or neck trauma — especially if the person is unresponsive after such an event.
- What is manual in-line stabilization?
- It is a technique to minimize movement of the head, neck, and spine by gently holding the head in line with the body, reducing the risk of further injury to the spinal cord while care continues.
- Does spinal care ever come before the airway?
- No. Airway and breathing always take priority. If they are life-threatened, opening the airway comes first, while still limiting spinal movement as much as possible.
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