Unresponsiveness due to trauma is a positive indication for spinal motion restriction.

• A. Stable vitals after trauma
• B. Minor laceration
• C. Unresponsiveness due to trauma
• D. No neurological symptoms

Answer: (C)

Unresponsiveness due to trauma signals a situation where you cannot reliably assess for spinal injury or neurologic status, and moving the spine could cause more damage. In this state, spinal motion restriction is used to protect the cervical spine by keeping the head, neck, and spine aligned and minimizing movement until a full evaluation is possible. The other options don’t indicate a clear need for immobilization: stable vitals after trauma don’t rule out spinal injury, a minor laceration is unrelated to the spine, and no neurological symptoms can be false reassurance since spinal injuries may not show immediate signs or may be incomplete.