What is the purpose of the Secondary Survey in the emergency patient?

• A. Brief, systematic history and head-to-toe assessment
• B. Quick life threats
• C. Determining disposition
• D. Administer analgesia

Answer: (A)

Secondary Survey is the structured, comprehensive reassessment done after life threats have been addressed. It focuses on a complete head-to-toe physical examination and a detailed history to uncover injuries that may not be immediately apparent and to gather information about the event, medications, allergies, and past medical history. This thorough assessment helps guide definitive treatment, ongoing monitoring, and disposition once the patient is stabilized. It isn’t about rapidly spotting life threats—that belongs to the initial survey—and isn’t solely about deciding where to send the patient, which comes after the full assessment. Analgesia may be provided as needed, but giving pain relief isn’t the defining aim of the secondary survey.