ATLS Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Guide for Exam Preparation

During the secondary survey in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), a thorough head-to-toe evaluation and history gathering is crucial. This comprehensive examination aims to identify all injuries and conditions that may not have been apparent during the primary survey, which focuses on life-threatening issues. The secondary survey allows for a more detailed assessment of injuries, including those that may be hidden or not immediately life-threatening.

Gathering a complete history, including the mechanism of injury and any pre-existing medical conditions, helps in the diagnostic process and aids in planning appropriate treatment. It is an essential part of determining the patient’s needs and potential interventions, contributing significantly to positive outcomes in trauma care.

In this context, other options may not be prioritized during the secondary survey, as immediate transfer to a trauma center is typically a decision made in the primary survey based on the patient's stability, and while providing analgesics and psychological assessments are important, they are secondary to the comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s physical state.