Which interventions should a nurse prioritize for a client with suspected spinal cord injury during initial assessment in ABCDE trauma care? (Select all that apply)

Rationale: A. Clients with a suspected spinal cord injury are at risk for neurogenic shock, which can cause hypotension due to loss of sympathetic tone. Maintaining adequate perfusion is critical to prevent secondary spinal cord damage. Administering IV fluids is part of circulation management (the “C” in ABCDE) and is prioritized once airway and breathing are addressed. B. Spinal immobilization is immediately prioritized in any trauma client with a suspected spinal cord injury. Movement of the cervical spine can worsen injury and lead to permanent neurological damage. This is maintained throughout the ABCDE assessment, especially during airway management. C. CPR is only indicated if the client is pulseless or not breathing. It is not routinely initiated for all suspected spinal cord injuries. ABCDE assessment begins with airway and breathing evaluation before determining the need for CPR. D. A neurological assessment is part of Disability (D) in the ABCDE approach. This includes assessing level of consciousness, pupil response, and motor/sensory function. It helps identify the extent and progression of spinal cord injury.