TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

Whiplash is a specific type of injury that occurs when the head is suddenly moved backward and then forward, typically as a result of a rapid impact, such as in rear-end automobile collisions. This motion creates a force that causes the neck to extend and flex quickly, which can lead to damage to the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, and cervical spine.

In this scenario, the trunk moves forward due to inertia, while the head lags behind because of the sudden stop or change in direction. This mismatch in movement results in the characteristic whiplash injury, making it the most appropriate choice. Other options, such as herniated disk, epidural hemorrhage, and humeral fracture, involve different mechanisms of injury that do not specifically relate to the dynamic where the trunk moves forward while the head remains behind.