Which items are included in the Secondary Assessment (systematic approach)?

Which items are included in the Secondary Assessment (systematic approach)?

• A. ABCs, Disability
• B. Oxygen therapy modalities
• C. SAMPLE/focused Hx, H'S, T'S
• D. Blood pressure monitoring only

Answer: (C)

Secondary assessment is the information-gathering phase that follows initial stabilization, focusing on history and a focused examination to uncover reversible causes. The essential elements are obtaining a SAMPLE history (Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events leading up to the illness) along with a focused history relevant to the current problem, and considering the Hs and Ts as possible etiologies (such as hypovolemia, hypoxia, acidosis from hydrogen ion, electrolyte disturbances, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and the categories of toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis, or trauma). This combination guides quick, targeted decisions to improve the patient’s condition. In contrast, actions like choosing oxygen therapy modalities are treatment steps rather than information gathered during the assessment, and ABCs with Disability belong to the primary survey, not the systematic secondary assessment. A single measure like blood pressure monitoring alone does not capture the full scope of the secondary assessment.

Secondary assessment is the information-gathering phase that follows initial stabilization, focusing on history and a focused examination to uncover reversible causes. The essential elements are obtaining a SAMPLE history (Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events leading up to the illness) along with a focused history relevant to the current problem, and considering the Hs and Ts as possible etiologies (such as hypovolemia, hypoxia, acidosis from hydrogen ion, electrolyte disturbances, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and the categories of toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis, or trauma). This combination guides quick, targeted decisions to improve the patient’s condition. In contrast, actions like choosing oxygen therapy modalities are treatment steps rather than information gathered during the assessment, and ABCs with Disability belong to the primary survey, not the systematic secondary assessment. A single measure like blood pressure monitoring alone does not capture the full scope of the secondary assessment.