Secondary Assessment Flashcards
(24 cards)
Review: Primary Assessment
LOC, ABCs, Sx4
Severe bleeding
Stroke
Shock
Spinal injuries
Assess and care for any immediate life-threatening conditions
Secondary Assessment
General Medical Hx
SAMPLE
Physical Assessment
Head-to-Toe
Vital Signs
After primary assessment!
Get more information, local assessment
S.A.M.P.L.E. History
Signs & Symptoms
Allergies
Medications
Past medical history
Last oral intake
Events before incident
Physical Assessment: Head-to-Toe
Expose and examine areas of concern
Look for DOTS
Look for DOTS:
Deformities
Open wounds
Tenderness
Swelling
Vital Signs
Within 5 minutes of arrival
Recheck every 3–5 minutes if patient is unstable
Indications of pulses present:
Radial: > 80 mmHg systolic
Femoral: > 70 mmHg systolic
Carotid: > 60 mmHg systolic
Brain: encephalon
Responsible for all voluntary M action, coordination, sensory input, higher mental fxns (memory, reasoning, intelligence, learning, judgment, emotions), sleep center, posture, vital fxns (respirations, swallowing, bladder control, heart rate, blood pressure, vomiting), ETC.!
Head Injuries
Concussions
Brain Hemorrhages
Always suspect head/neck/spinal injury until ruled out
Brain Hemorrhaging
Epidural Hemorrhage
Subdural Hemorrhage
Epidural Hemorrhage
Arterial bleed (tear of dura mater)
Rapid onset of symptoms
Subdural Hemorrhage
Venous bleed (beneath dura mater)
Slower symptom progression
Brain HemorrhagingVITAL SIGNS
↓ LOC, ↓ HR, ↓ RR
↑ BP
Abnormal pupillary response
Nausea, vomiting
Raccoon eyes, Battle’s sign
Seizures, speech/motor dysfunction
Second Impact Syndrome
Returning to activity too soon after concussion
Brain swells rapidly → 50% mortality
Preventable
Musculoskeletal Trauma
Common Injuries:
Fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains
High-risk: femur, pelvis, elbow
Splinting Musculoskeletal InjuryRules/Process
Check neurovascular integrity (CSMs)
Splint above and below
Splint in position found*
Do not move unless absolutely necessary (e.g., to restore circulation)
Check neurovascular integrity (CSMs)
Circulation: Pulse & cap refill
Sensation
Motor control
Types of Splints
anatomical
soft
semi-rigid
rigid
moldable rigid
traction
Anatomical splint
Buddy taping, self-splinting (e.g., finger to finger)
Soft splint
Pillow, rolled blanket, triangular bandage, sling & swathe
Semi-Rigid splint
SAM splint, aluminum/foam rolls
Rigid splint
Cardboard, 2x4” wood, spine board, metal
Moldable Rigid splint
Vacuum splint, air splint
Traction Splint
Used for femur fractures to reduce pain & prevent further injury
