Final answer:
An athletic trainer should first stabilize the cervical spine of a skier who fell and hit her head, to prevent further neurological injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
First Response to a Skier with a Head Injury
An athletic trainer at a downhill skiing competition is confronted with a skier who has fallen and hit her head, and is now experiencing pain along her cervical spine with numbness in her right upper extremity, as well as nausea and a moderate headache. The skier's symptoms suggest a potentially serious injury to the nervous system. In such a case, the first action the athletic trainer should perform is e. Stabilize the athlete's cervical spine. This precaution is critical because any movement to an unstable cervical spine could lead to further injury, including paralysis or permanent neurological damage. While other assessments, such as evaluating for a concussion or assessing cranial nerves, are important, they come after ensuring the athlete's cervical spine is secure.
It is important to remember that injuries to the central nervous system can range from mild to severe, and the immediate response can influence the outcome significantly. Prevention and immediate care for athletic injuries, including stabilization, are key roles of an athletic trainer who has studied areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics, aiding in their understanding of the injuries of the nervous system.