ATLS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Exam Preparation

Cardiac monitoring is considered an adjunct to the primary survey because it provides critical information regarding the patient’s cardiac status, which can be vital in emergencies. The primary survey is focused on quickly assessing and addressing life-threatening conditions and includes evaluating the airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. During this assessment, integrating cardiac monitoring can help identify arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or other significant heart issues that may arise in acutely ill or injured patients, thus guiding further management.

Positioning the patient for transport is part of the logistical considerations after the primary survey has been completed, while family counseling pertains to communication and emotional support, which are not part of the immediate clinical assessment. Post-operative care is a follow-up procedure that occurs after surgery and is also outside the scope of the primary survey. Therefore, cardiac monitoring is the procedure that best complements the immediate evaluation and management needs during the primary survey.