When manual stabilization of a patient’s head is required and the head is turned sharply to the right, which action should you take?

• A. Move the head to the neutral position
• B. Rotate the head to the left
• C. Support the head and neck in position found
• D. Use a cervical collar immediately

Answer: (B)

The important idea here is to restore midline alignment of the head and neck while preserving inline stabilization so the cervical spine isn’t moved unnecessarily. If the head is turned sharply to the right, rotating it to the left brings the head toward neutral, which helps open the airway and reduces excessive rotation. This makes it safer to assess breathing and ventilate if needed, without compromising spinal protection. Keeping the head in the rotated position would hinder airway access and assessment, and stabilizing without realigning doesn’t address potential airway obstruction. Apply cervical immobilization after you bring the head toward midline and reestablish stable alignment.