What describes the secondary assessment in trauma care?

• A. Ongoing monitoring
• B. Detailed exam after stabilization
• C. Identify life threats
• D. Initial triage

Answer: (B)

The secondary assessment in trauma care is a thorough head‑to‑toe examination performed after the patient has been stabilized. After the primary survey has addressed and controlled any immediate life threats, this detailed exam looks for injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, revisiting vitals, gathering a focused history, and using targeted imaging or labs as needed to uncover hidden injuries. This approach ensures nothing is missed beyond the initial life-saving steps.

Ongoing monitoring is essential during care but refers to continuous checks rather than the structured, comprehensive exam that defines the secondary assessment. Identifying life threats is the domain of the primary survey, not the secondary one. Initial triage refers to the initial sorting and prioritizing of patients, often at the scene or on arrival, not the subsequent detailed exam.