Which of the following is the PRIMARY objective of the secondary survey in trauma management?

Explanation

## Secondary Survey — Systematic Injury Identification **Key Point:** The secondary survey is a **systematic, head-to-toe physical examination** performed **after** the primary survey is complete and life threats have been addressed. Its primary objective is to identify **all injuries**, not just life-threatening ones. ### Primary vs. Secondary Survey | Aspect | Primary Survey | Secondary Survey | |--------|---|---| | **Timing** | First, immediate | After primary survey complete | | **Focus** | Life threats (ABCDE) | All injuries, head-to-toe | | **Intervention** | Immediate resuscitation | Diagnosis & investigation | | **Duration** | Minutes | 10–15 minutes | | **Scope** | Limited to critical assessment | Comprehensive physical exam | ### Secondary Survey Sequence (Head-to-Toe) 1. **Head & face** — scalp lacerations, facial fractures, eye/ear/nose injury 2. **Neck** — cervical spine tenderness, tracheal deviation, JVD 3. **Chest** — rib fractures, flail chest, breath sounds, cardiac sounds 4. **Abdomen** — distension, tenderness, organ injury signs 5. **Pelvis** — pelvic fracture, genitourinary injury 6. **Extremities** — fractures, dislocations, vascular compromise, compartment syndrome 7. **Back & buttocks** — wounds, fractures (log-roll patient) 8. **Neurological** — detailed motor/sensory exam, reflexes **High-Yield:** The secondary survey includes: - **AMPLE history** — **A**llergies, **M**edications, **P**ast medical history, **L**ast meal, **E**vents leading to injury - Reassessment of vital signs - Baseline investigations (X-rays, CT, labs) as indicated **Clinical Pearl:** Do **not** begin the secondary survey until the primary survey is complete and resuscitation is underway. A patient with ongoing shock or airway compromise should not have time spent on detailed examination. **Warning:** ~~The secondary survey is where you perform emergency surgery~~ — the secondary survey is diagnostic and preparatory; definitive management (surgery, imaging) follows based on findings.