What is checked during a secondary assessment?

The secondary assessment is a comprehensive process that occurs after the primary assessment has been conducted, which focuses on addressing immediate life threats. The correct choice involves a thorough examination for injuries and gathering further medical history, which is essential for identifying any additional health concerns, conditions, or injuries that may not have been immediately apparent.

During the secondary assessment, responders will systematically evaluate the patient's body for signs of trauma, check for any deformities, swelling, or tenderness, and ask targeted questions about their medical history, including any existing conditions or medications. This detailed examination allows responders to develop a more complete understanding of the patient's condition and to provide the appropriate treatment or transport decisions based on their findings.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects that are part of either the primary assessment or different aspects of care. For example, checking responsiveness is an essential part of the initial assessment to determine the patient's level of consciousness. Evaluating pulse and breathing is also crucial in assessing vital signs, but it precedes the more detailed secondary assessment. Identifying immediate life-threatening conditions is fundamental to the primary assessment, ensuring that any critical issues are addressed first before moving on to a thorough examination.