During the trauma secondary assessment, which activity is performed?

• A. Immediate defibrillation
• B. Administer aspirin
• C. On-scene time calculations
• D. Head-to-toe assessment

Answer: (D)

In trauma care, after the primary survey and stabilization, the clinician performs a head-to-toe assessment to uncover injuries that aren’t immediately life-threatening but still require care. This secondary survey is a systematic, patient-by-patient check from head to toe, using inspection, palpation, and, when appropriate, auscultation to identify injuries that may not be obvious at first glance. It often involves looking for signs summarized as DCAP-BTLS—deformation, contusion, abrasion, puncture/penetration, burn, tenderness, laceration, swelling—to ensure no injury is missed. This thorough examination supports documenting findings, guiding treatment decisions, and informing transport priorities.

Immediate defibrillation is part of addressing life threats during the primary survey when the patient is pulseless or in a shockable rhythm. Administering aspirin is a medical protocol for chest pain or suspected heart attack, not a trauma secondary assessment. On-scene time calculations pertain to scene management and transport decisions, not the actual physical examination.