In assessing a patient with sub-occipital head pain after a fall, the GNP should perform which assessment?

In the context of a patient presenting with sub-occipital head pain after a fall, palpating the cervical vertebrae is essential. This area of assessment is critical because the cervical spine can be affected by trauma during a fall, potentially leading to injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or ligamentous injuries.

Sub-occipital pain may indicate problems related to the cervical region, such as tension, muscle strain, or a more serious injury to the vertebrae themselves. By palpating the cervical vertebrae, the gerontological nurse practitioner can evaluate for tenderness, abnormal alignment, and any restriction in movement that may suggest a serious underlying condition requiring further investigation or intervention.

In contrast, the other assessments may not directly address the nature of the sub-occipital pain related to a fall. Palpating the acromioclavicular joint and assessing the gleno-humeral range of motion focus more on shoulder and arm conditions, while palpating anterior thoracic muscles pertains to chest and lung conditions. Thus, these options would not adequately assess the likely cervical spine involvement in this scenario.