Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Practice Exam

When does a tertiary survey typically occur in trauma care?

1. Immediately upon admission

2. 1 hour after the primary survey

3. At the 24-hour mark, once scans are read

4. Before the secondary survey

The correct answer is: At the 24-hour mark, once scans are read

The tertiary survey in trauma care is a crucial component of the overall management of a trauma patient. It is typically conducted at the 24-hour mark after the initial evaluation and management of the patient, allowing healthcare providers to identify any injuries that may not have been apparent during the primary and secondary surveys. This time frame is significant because it allows for the full assessment of the patient’s condition after initial stabilization and any imaging studies that may have been conducted are reviewed. During the tertiary survey, the focus is on re-evaluating the patient comprehensively, checking for subtle injuries, and ensuring that no complications from the initial injuries have arisen. This systematic approach is important as some injuries might not be immediately obvious, and they can present themselves over time. The comprehensive assessment also includes reviewing the patient's vital signs, repeats any necessary imaging, and identifying any changes in their condition since the last assessment. In contrast, immediate assessment and the primary survey are focused on identifying and managing life-threatening conditions, followed by the secondary survey, which involves a head-to-toe examination and focused diagnostic testing. The tertiary survey is positioned as a follow-up to ensure thoroughness and safety in trauma management.