Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

A C-spine collar should remain in place until clinical and radiographic clearance is achieved to prevent potential injury to the cervical spine. Maintaining stability in the cervical area is crucial in cases of suspected spine injuries, as movement could exacerbate any existing damage and lead to neurological deficits.

Clinical clearance includes the absence of neurologic deficits and pain upon examination, while radiographic clearance involves imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, demonstrating no significant cervical spine injury. This comprehensive approach ensures patient safety and minimizes the risk of complications during the initial assessment and treatment phases.

Maintaining a C-spine collar during transport is important, but it is not sufficient; the collar must remain until definitive assessment confirms the absence of injury. The collar should not be dependent on the patient's level of consciousness, as even a responsive patient can sustain serious injuries. Additionally, keeping a collar in place for a minimum of 48 hours is unnecessary if the patient can be safely evaluated and cleared before that timeframe. Ensuring proper timing for removal is vital instead of adhering to arbitrary durations.