Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary survey is crucial in the initial assessment of a trauma patient as it focuses on identifying and addressing life-threatening conditions in a systematic manner. The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This step is vital because it allows healthcare providers to quickly assess vital functions and intervene as necessary to stabilize the patient. Immediate actions taken during this assessment can significantly impact the patient's outcome.

While obtaining a full medical history, performing a head-to-toe examination, or initiating IV access are relevant components of trauma care, they are not prioritized before the primary assessment. Gathering detailed medical history or conducting a comprehensive physical evaluation can wait until after the primary survey, as these steps do not directly address immediate threats to life, which is the focus of the primary survey. IV access, while important, especially for fluid resuscitation, should also follow the initial assessment since the main goal at this stage is ensuring that the airway and circulation are secure.