Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

During a trauma assessment, what comes after securing ABCs?

1. Head to toe assessment

2. History-taking

3. Vital sign monitoring

4. Patient relocation

The correct answer is: Head to toe assessment

After securing the airways, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), conducting a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment is essential in trauma care. This systematic evaluation allows the paramedic to identify any potential injuries or complications that might not be immediately apparent. The head-to-toe assessment helps to ensure that all areas of the body are examined, which is crucial in trauma situations where injuries can often be hidden or not readily observable. The rationale for this approach lies in the need for thoroughness in patient care. After addressing the most critical functions (ABCs), a detailed assessment can uncover other injuries, such as fractures, internal bleeding, or neurological deficits. This thorough examination paves the way for appropriate treatment and interventions, ensuring that no significant issues are overlooked in the acute phase of care. While other options, such as history-taking, vital sign monitoring, and patient relocation, are important components of the overall management of a trauma patient, they typically follow the head-to-toe assessment in the sequence of care. This is because understanding the full extent of the patient's condition through physical assessment informs and enhances subsequent actions, such as monitoring vital signs and taking a patient history. Thus, performing a thorough head-to-toe assessment is the logical next step after securing the ABC