Which clinical sign might indicate a need for urgent spinal immobilization?

The presence of numbness or tingling in the extremities is a critical clinical sign that suggests potential spinal injury or cord compression. This symptom indicates that there may be nerve involvement that can result from trauma to the spinal cord. Given the risk of secondary damage if the spine is not stabilized, urgent spinal immobilization is necessary to prevent further injury to the spinal cord and to protect neurological function.

While other options such as loss of consciousness without head injury or difficulty breathing can indicate serious conditions, they do not specifically point to spinal issues as clearly as numbness or tingling. Visible bruising on the abdomen may suggest internal injuries, but it does not imply spinal compromise directly. Therefore, immediate spinal immobilization is emphasized when numbness or tingling in the extremities is present, highlighting the critical nature of neurological assessments in trauma care.