What is the purpose of a secondary assessment?

The purpose of a secondary assessment is primarily to gather additional information and find any hidden injuries. This assessment typically occurs after the primary assessment, which focuses on identifying immediate life threats and stabilizing the patient. During the secondary assessment, the medic performs a thorough examination of the patient, often including a head-to-toe assessment, to identify any injuries or conditions that may not have been immediately life-threatening but still require attention.

This process helps to create a comprehensive understanding of the patient's overall state and any further care that may be necessary. Identifying hidden injuries is crucial, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent, especially in cases of trauma or when the patient is conscious and able to communicate only partially. This allows the medic to make informed decisions regarding treatment and further interventions tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Other options do not encompass the full scope and intent of the secondary assessment. For instance, solely evaluating vital signs does not provide the complete picture needed for comprehensive patient management; immediate administration of treatments should generally follow the completion of assessments to ensure that they are appropriate based on findings; and while reassessing the primary assessment findings is important, it does not capture the broader goals of the secondary assessment in recognizing additional injuries.