A patient with kyphosis who has fallen and is numb in both arms should be immobilized by doing what?

The best approach for immobilizing a patient with kyphosis who has fallen and is experiencing numbness in both arms is to place pillows in the voids between the patient and the long board. This method helps to ensure proper alignment and stabilization of the spine, which is crucial in cases where there may be spinal injury or compromise due to the patient’s existing condition of kyphosis.

When a patient has a significant spinal deformity like kyphosis, their spine is already in a compromised position. Simply using a rigid splint might not adequately support the patient's unique spinal curvature, and this could lead to further injury or discomfort. Placing pillows in the voids helps to create a custom fit that accommodates the patient's spinal curve while providing the necessary support and preventing additional movement.

Moreover, restraining the arms to the sides can potentially increase discomfort or risk of further injury, especially if the patient is not securely immobilized overall. Rolling the patient onto their side is not appropriate in this scenario, as it could further exacerbate any spinal injury and does not address the need for immobilization while awaiting transport.

Thus, using pillows in the voids is not only a compassionate approach but also aligns with best practices for stabilizing a patient with a spinal condition