What priority action should be taken if a patient has a suspected spinal injury?

When a patient is suspected of having a spinal injury, the priority action is to stabilize the spine. This is crucial because any movement of the spine can potentially exacerbate injuries, leading to further damage to the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Stabilization helps prevent any additional injury during the assessment and subsequent treatment.

Stabilization can involve techniques such as using spinal immobilization devices, ensuring the patient's head and neck are maintained in a neutral, aligned position, and minimizing movement. This approach is vital in avoiding complications such as paralysis.

Other actions, while important in overall patient care, do not take precedence in the context of a suspected spinal injury. For instance, performing a primary assessment or administering pain relief can be part of the treatment plan after ensuring that the spine is properly stabilized. The head-tilt maneuver, which is commonly used to open the airway, is not appropriate for a suspected spinal injury as it could cause further harm if the spine is compromised.