Orthopaedic nursing
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Orthopaedic nursing · Jul 2002
ReviewThe management and prevention of rigid cervical collar complications.
The rigid cervical collar has been a great addition to the successful management of cervical spine injuries. But the collar has been known to offer a false sense of security in terms of totally preventing additional and further spinal cord compromise and damage. ⋯ Photographs are used to demonstrate examples of related skin breakdown, show proper collar fit, present the result of ineffective cervical immobilization, and show how to stabilize the head and neck during a collar change. These problem areas are addressed with the dos and don'ts for nursing management.