Final answer:
An MRI is the test for determining sprain/strain injuries and for diagnosing whiplash. It offers detailed images of soft tissues and is frequently used by examiners to assess damage to the anterior longitudinal ligament and other structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking to identify a test used to determine a sprain/strain injury, which can also be utilized to assess a whiplash injury. From the provided options, the correct answer is d) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed images of the body's tissues and structures, making it one of the best choices for localizing and assessing the extent of soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and whiplash. It is especially useful in revealing injuries to the anterior longitudinal ligament, which can be damaged in whiplash injuries resulting from extreme posterior bending of the head and neck, which was more common before the installation of seat headrests in vehicles. Additionally, during physical examinations, the examiner may test the function of the accessory nerve by having the patient flex and extend the neck or shrug the shoulders against resistance, assessing the strength of the muscles, as well as perform sensory tests using simple tools like tuning forks for vibration perception.