The secondary assessment may be deferred in which situation?

The secondary assessment may be deferred in which situation?

• A. When the patient is in life-threatening condition
• B. When the patient is conscious and able to talk
• C. When the patient is wearing a seat belt
• D. When the patient is a child

Answer: (A)

In EMS, you prioritize life threats before a full, detailed exam. The secondary assessment is done once the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilized and they’re safe for a thorough head-to-toe check. It may be deferred when the patient is in a life-threatening condition because any delay in treating those urgent problems or in rapidly transporting could worsen the outcome. Focus first on rapid interventions and transport, then perform the secondary assessment as soon as it’s safe. If the patient isn’t exhibiting immediate life threats—such as being conscious and able to talk, or being restrained without airway/breathing/circulation concern—you have the time to complete the secondary assessment to identify injuries and gather history, while still monitoring and reassessing as needed.

In EMS, you prioritize life threats before a full, detailed exam. The secondary assessment is done once the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilized and they’re safe for a thorough head-to-toe check. It may be deferred when the patient is in a life-threatening condition because any delay in treating those urgent problems or in rapidly transporting could worsen the outcome. Focus first on rapid interventions and transport, then perform the secondary assessment as soon as it’s safe.

If the patient isn’t exhibiting immediate life threats—such as being conscious and able to talk, or being restrained without airway/breathing/circulation concern—you have the time to complete the secondary assessment to identify injuries and gather history, while still monitoring and reassessing as needed.