ATLS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Exam Preparation

During the tertiary survey, a major consideration when evaluating a laceration involves addressing the need for appropriate intervention, such as dressing or repairing the laceration. The tertiary survey is conducted after the initial evaluation and management of trauma, typically 24 hours post-injury, to identify any injuries that may have been missed during the initial assessment.

Focusing on dressing or repairing lacerations is crucial for multiple reasons. Firstly, properly managing a laceration helps prevent infection and promotes healing. It’s essential to thoroughly examine the laceration to assess its depth and the structures involved, which may not be immediately apparent. If deeper structures are involved, such as muscles, tendons, or nerves, they may require surgical repair. Even if a laceration is not actively bleeding, neglecting its care can lead to complications.

Considering patient history or simply documenting the size of the laceration, while important, does not address the urgent need for intervention. Ignoring the wound could lead to negative outcomes for the patient, particularly in trauma cases where comprehensive care is vital to recovery. Thus, systematically dressing or repairing lacerations is a fundamental part of ensuring that a trauma patient receives complete and thoughtful care.