Final answer:
Cervical spine precautions in a comatose patient involve stabilizing the neck to prevent further injury, calling emergency services, and administering first aid without moving the head or neck.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing care for a comatose patient, it is critical to maintain cervical spine precautions to prevent further injury. This is especially important in patients with suspected spinal injuries, as was the case with Christopher Reeve, who suffered paralysis due to a spinal cord injury.
The cervical spine precautions include keeping the patient very still, applying heavy towels or using hands to stabilize the neck, and preventing any movement of the head or neck. Additionally, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance immediately and provide first aid without moving the injured area.