What action should you take if you suspect a spinal injury in a patient?

When a spinal injury is suspected, the most appropriate action is to stabilize the head and neck without moving the patient. This is crucial because any movement can exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to further damage to the spinal cord, which may result in paralysis or other serious complications. Stabilization involves keeping the head and neck in a neutral position and preventing any twisting or bending, which helps to maintain alignment and reduces the risk of injury.

Encouraging movement could lead to harmful consequences by destabilizing the injury site. Assisting the patient to stand up may also result in injury or increased pain, as it requires movement that should be avoided in cases of suspected spinal injuries. Providing immediate pain relief may not address the primary concern of preventing further injury; pain management is important but should be secondary to ensuring the patient's safety through stabilization first.