Which of the following signs or symptoms would make you suspect that a person has sustained a head, neck, or spinal injury?

The presence of loss of sensation is a significant sign that may indicate a head, neck, or spinal injury. This symptom could suggest damage to the spinal cord or nerves, which is critical to identify in order to provide appropriate care. With a potential spinal injury, there might be compromised nerve function, leading to numbness or inability to feel sensations in parts of the body below the injury site.

In contrast, while bruising can indicate trauma, it does not specifically point to a head, neck, or spinal injury. Shortness of breath can stem from various issues, including respiratory or cardiac conditions, but is not a direct indicator of spinal damage. Similarly, a headache could be a sign of many ailments, including tension or migraine headaches, and does not solely suggest a head or spinal injury. Therefore, loss of sensation stands out as a critical indicator that requires immediate attention and assessment for spinal integrity.