What is the purpose of the secondary survey in trauma care?

• A. To identify injuries not found in the primary survey through a head-to-toe exam and review of imaging
• B. Determine airway patency only
• C. Recheck blood pressure every 30 seconds
• D. Ensure spinal immobilization

Answer: (A)

After the initial life-threatening problems are addressed, the secondary survey focuses on uncovering injuries that the first pass may have missed. It is a thorough head-to-toe physical exam complemented by reviewing imaging, labs, and the patient’s history or mechanism of injury, with the goal of identifying hidden or less obvious injuries so they can be treated promptly. Airway patency, while essential, is evaluated as part of the primary survey, not the secondary; continuous blood pressure checks are part of ongoing monitoring, not the main aim of the secondary survey; and spinal immobilization is a stabilization step during initial care, not the primary purpose of the secondary survey.