Chapter 15- Secondary Asessment

Question 1

in some cases in which the patient is critically, ill or injured or the transport time is short, you may not have time to conduct a secondary assessment. And in other cases secondary assessment can occur:

Answer 1

On scene or in route to the ED

Question 2

Do conscious medical patients need a secondary assessment of the entire body or head to toe examination?

Answer 2

No, but all conscious patients should receive or undergo a limited or detailed physical exam based on their chief complaint

Question 3

for example, you can check for simple things such as:

Answer 3

Pulse motion and sensation in all of the patients extremities

Question 4

If you suspect a neurological problem, you should check the patients

Answer 4

pupillary reaction

Question 5

because unconscious patients are unable to tell you what is wrong, you should always:

Answer 5

Perform a secondary assessment of the entire body or head to toe examination

Question 6

A full body assessment should be thorough but also

Answer 6

Performed quickly, so it does not delay transport to the hospital

Question 7

also look out for _______ as this may provide you with valuable information as to why the patient is unconscious

Answer 7

medical alert jewelry

Question 8

if the patient’s condition warrants secondary assessment, begin by:

Answer 8

carefully examining the head scalp and face

Question 9

Examine the head and face for

Answer 9

Symmetry

Question 10

examine the pupils for

Answer 10

Equality and reactivity to light

Question 11

look at the conjunctiva of the eyes for

Answer 11

Moisture

Question 12

Look at the ears and nose for

Answer 12

any drainage or nasal flaring

Question 13

Examine the mouth for

Answer 13

foreign bodies, including loose teeth and dentures
And pink moist mucosa

Question 14

examine the neck for any evidence

Answer 14

accessory muscle use with respirations, jugular vein distention, and tracheal deviation

Question 15

jugular vein distention, and tracheal deviation are indicators of

Answer 15

Respiratory or cardiac problems

Question 16

Also, when you are examining the neck, make sure you move any clothing so that you can check for

Answer 16

A tracheostomy or a stoma

Question 17

next check the chest and abdomen for

Answer 17

Any areas of tenderness or swelling?

Question 18

also look for _______ in the abdomen

Answer 18

Distinction or rigidity in the abdomen

Question 19

Check the pelvis in genital areas for

Answer 19

For pain or urinary incontinence, which means loss of bladder control

Question 20

palpate the legs and arms for

Answer 20

Swelling and other abnormalities, making sure to check for distal motion sensation in circulation

Question 21

Note any scars or track marks along the veins which would indicate

Answer 21

IV drug use

Question 22

finally examine the patients back to note any

Answer 22

Irregularities, pain or scars

Question 23

at this point, your secondary assessment should be complete and treatment of non-life-threatening conditions should be instituted

Answer 23

True

Question 24

if patient is conscious, assess the pulse at which artery

Answer 24

The radial artery

Question 25

if patient is unconscious, assess the pulse at which artery

Answer 25

The carotid

Question 26

Blood glucose levels and pulse oximetry readings are also important to obtain

Answer 26

True