In which scenario should a nurse avoid testing cervical spine range of motion?

Testing the cervical spine range of motion is particularly contraindicated following neck trauma due to the risk of exacerbating existing injuries. In such situations, the cervical spine may have sustained a fracture, dislocation, or severe soft tissue injury, all of which can lead to serious complications, including spinal cord injury if further movement or stress is applied.

In cases of neck trauma, the priority is to ensure the safety of the patient and prevent any further damage. This is typically managed with immobilization and thorough evaluation through imaging studies before any range of motion testing is considered. Other scenarios, such as chronic headaches, spinal surgeries, or muscle strains, may not carry the same immediate risk for catastrophic consequences when assessing range of motion, though caution is still needed. Thus, avoidance of range of motion testing is most critical in the context of recent neck trauma where the risk of compounding an existing injury is high.