Cervical Collar Sizing and Placement Quiz

1 A cervical collar will completely immobilize a patient's neck.

2 When measuring a patient for fitting of a cervical collar, an imaginary line should be drawn across the shoulders and another drawn from the level of the lower lip. The distance between these lines should be used for cervical collar sizing.

3 Some patients will not fit into a cervical collar.

4 The function of a cervical collar is to rigidly maintain a minimum distance between the head and neck to eliminate intermittent compression of the cervical spine.

5 If the cervical collar is too loose it is ineffective and can cover the anterior chin, mouth, and nose resulting in airway obstruction.

6 If the cervical collar is too short it will not protect the cervical spine from compression and allows for significant flexion.

7 If the cervical collar is too tall it will cause overextension of the carotid arteries and can lead to tears.

8 If the cervical collar is too tight it can compress the carotid arteries and neck veins.

9 If the height and tightness are correct, it is acceptable for the patient's chin to be able to retract into the neck piece.

10 After application of the cervical collar, the patient should be able to open their mouth.