Once a cervical collar has been applied to a patient with a possible spinal injury, it should not be removed unless:

• A. Sensory and motor functions remain intact.
• B. It causes a problem managing the airway.
• C. Lateral immobilization has been applied.
• D. The patient adamantly denies neck pain.

Answer: (B)

In suspected spinal injury, keeping the cervical collar on protects the neck from movement while you address life-threatening needs. It should be removed only if the collar blocks airway management, because securing the airway takes priority. When removal is necessary, you must maintain manual inline stabilization of the head and neck during the process and airway intervention. The other reasons don’t justify removing the collar: intact sensory and motor function, no neck pain, or additional immobilization by lateral devices do not guarantee spinal stability or airway safety.