Which sequence correctly lists the steps of conducting a secondary survey?

• A. Vital signs, comfort measures, history and head-to-toe assessment, inspect posterior surfaces
• B. History taking and head-to-toe assessment, vital signs, comfort measures, inspect posterior surfaces
• C. Vital signs, history and head-to-toe assessment, comfort measures, inspect posterior surfaces
• D. Inspect posterior surfaces, vital signs, history and head-to-toe assessment, comfort measures

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the proper order of a secondary survey in trauma care: rapidly gauge stability, then alleviate distress, then perform a thorough examination, finishing with a full check of the back. Starting with vital signs gives immediate information about the patient’s hemodynamic status, so you know if there are ongoing threats requiring rapid intervention. Addressing comfort measures right after helps control pain and anxiety, which can otherwise skew vital signs and hinder an accurate assessment. Following that, a structured history and head-to-toe examination systematically identify injuries across the body. Finally, inspecting the posterior surfaces after turning the patient ensures you don’t miss injuries on the back while keeping front-body assessment complete first. This sequence balances rapid data gathering with a comprehensive, methodical evaluation, and mirrors how the back is assessed once the patient has been logrolled for full visualization.