Why is it important for an EMR to monitor a spinal injury patient's airway and breathing closely?

Monitoring the airway and breathing of a spinal injury patient is crucial because spinal injuries can impair the muscles involved in respiration. Specifically, injuries that affect the cervical spine can lead to paralysis of the muscles that control breathing and may compromise the patient's ability to maintain a patent airway. This is particularly concerning because respiratory arrest can occur if breathing is not effectively supported or if the airway becomes obstructed due to the inability to respond to the injury.

In addition, a patient with a spinal injury may not exhibit typical responses to airway obstruction or breathing difficulties due to possible neurological deficits. Therefore, active monitoring ensures that any changes in the patient’s respiratory status are addressed promptly, providing critical support that helps prevent respiratory failure. This monitoring is a key aspect of managing spinal injury patients and ensuring their safety until further medical help can be provided.