Which condition would contraindicate posterior surface inspection?

Which condition would contraindicate posterior surface inspection?

• A. Suspected spine or pelvic injury
• B. Stable vitals
• C. No pain reported
• D. Recent upper-extremity surgery

Answer: (A)

Posterior surface inspection is avoided when there is a concern for spinal or pelvic injury because turning or log-rolling the patient could worsen a fracture, cause neurologic injury, or disrupt internal bleeding. The safety priority is to maintain spinal and pelvic alignment with immobilization (backboard, cervical collar) and perform the posterior exam only after stabilization and imaging clearance. The other scenarios—stable vitals, no pain reported, or a recent upper-extremity surgery—do not by themselves indicate a risk that would prohibit posterior inspection.

Posterior surface inspection is avoided when there is a concern for spinal or pelvic injury because turning or log-rolling the patient could worsen a fracture, cause neurologic injury, or disrupt internal bleeding. The safety priority is to maintain spinal and pelvic alignment with immobilization (backboard, cervical collar) and perform the posterior exam only after stabilization and imaging clearance. The other scenarios—stable vitals, no pain reported, or a recent upper-extremity surgery—do not by themselves indicate a risk that would prohibit posterior inspection.