Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

What should an athletic trainer perform FIRST when a skier complains of cervical spine pain and numbness in the upper extremity?

1. Evaluate the athlete for a concussion

2. Stabilize the athlete's cervical spine

3. Assess cranial nerves

4. Refer the athlete to a physician

The correct answer is: Stabilize the athlete's cervical spine

When an athlete presents with cervical spine pain and numbness in the upper extremities, the first step is to stabilize the cervical spine. This is crucial because any movement of the head or neck could exacerbate potential injuries, particularly when dealing with a suspected spinal injury. Stabilizing the cervical spine helps prevent further damage to the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Maintaining spinal alignment ensures maximum protection while ensuring the athlete's safety until more comprehensive evaluations can be conducted by qualified medical personnel. Immediate actions such as stabilization can significantly reduce the risk of long-term neurological deficits or paralysis, which could result from inappropriate movements or lax stabilization in a vulnerable situation. In one-on-one assessments, determining the presence of a concussion, cranial nerve status, or making a referral to a physician are all important steps that follow stabilization. However, they should not precede the initial and critical action of ensuring that the cervical spine is immobilized to protect against further injury.