Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

The Primary Survey and Secondary Assessment is the cornerstone of trauma evaluation in PHTLS. This systematic approach ensures that critical life-threatening conditions are identified and treated promptly. The Primary Survey focuses on the immediate assessment of the patient's airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure (ABCDE), allowing responders to quickly identify and manage any threats to life.

Following this, the Secondary Assessment provides a more detailed evaluation. It involves a thorough head-to-toe assessment to identify injuries that may not be immediately life-threatening but still require attention. By employing this dual approach, responders are equipped to deliver effective and timely interventions, improving the chances of a positive outcome for trauma patients.

The other assessment systems mentioned, such as Vital Signs Monitoring, Trauma Identification, and Patient History Assessment, are important as part of a complete assessment but do not replace the structured framework of the Primary Survey and Secondary Assessment in the immediate management of trauma patients. These other methods complement the initial assessment but do not serve as the primary emphasis in trauma evaluation as outlined in PHTLS guidelines.