CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

How do you turn a patient who is on spinal precautions?

1. Quick turn

2. Log roll

3. Supine turn

4. Pivot turn

The correct answer is: Log roll

When a patient is on spinal precautions, it is essential to maintain spinal alignment and minimize movement of the spine to prevent further injury. The log roll technique is specifically designed for this purpose. In the log roll maneuver, the patient is rolled as a single unit without bending at the hips or twisting the spine. This technique involves keeping the patient’s head, shoulders, and pelvis aligned as they are turned, which helps protect the spinal column from any unintended bending or rotation that could exacerbate an injury. Other methods, such as quick turn or pivot turn, may involve more movement that could jeopardize the stability of the spine. These techniques do not prioritize the alignment of the spine, potentially increasing the risk of further injury or complications. Therefore, utilizing the log roll is the best practice for safely turning a patient under spinal precautions, ensuring both safety and stability.