What action should be taken for a patient with suspected spinal injury?

Stabilizing the spine and minimizing movement is crucial for a patient with a suspected spinal injury. This approach is essential because any unnecessary movement can exacerbate the injury, potentially causing further damage to the spinal cord and surrounding structures. The risks associated with not immobilizing the spine include the possibility of paralysis and other severe complications.

In practice, emergency medical services use techniques such as spinal immobilization devices (like backboards or cervical collars) to securely hold the patient's spine in a neutral position. Maintaining this stability ensures that any movement, such as extrication or transport, is done cautiously and safely until advanced medical care arrives.

Considering the other options, moving the patient to a more comfortable position could lead to additional risk by altering their spinal alignment. Administering pain relief might mask symptoms or complicate the clinical picture but does not address the crucial need for spinal stabilization. Encouraging movement could be highly dangerous, as it could lead to further injury if the patient has a spinal cord injury.