What does the secondary assessment involve?

The secondary assessment is a crucial component in the patient evaluation process, occurring after the primary assessment has been conducted. It involves a detailed and systematic examination of the patient to identify any additional injuries or medical conditions that may not have been immediately apparent during the initial evaluation.

This second phase of assessment includes gathering more comprehensive vital signs, taking a focused history, and performing a thorough physical examination based on the findings from the primary assessment and the mechanism of injury. By conducting this detailed evaluation, healthcare providers can develop an appropriate and focused treatment plan, ensuring that all aspects of a patient's condition are addressed. This methodical approach is particularly important in complex cases where multiple issues may be present.

Other options such as stabilizing the patient, administering medications, or performing CPR are essential aspects of patient care but do not specifically define the actions taken during the secondary assessment. These actions may be necessary as part of immediate care or response to specific conditions, but they do not encompass the detailed evaluation process that characterizes the secondary assessment.