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

The primary assessment in Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) is focused on identifying and addressing immediate life-threatening conditions that could compromise the patient's survival. This process involves a systematic evaluation of the patient, where first responders quickly assess the airway, breathing, circulation, and disability (often referred to as the ABCs and D).

The emphasis is on rapid recognition and intervention, as delays in treating critical issues such as airway obstruction, severe hemorrhage, or compromised respiratory function can have dire consequences. This approach ensures that responders prioritize their actions based on the most urgent needs of the patient, ultimately influencing the outcome of the traumatic event.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of the primary assessment as outlined in PHTLS guidelines. For instance, while determining the type of injury is important, it does not convey the urgency required in the primary assessment. Similarly, a document outlining a patient's medical history does not play a role in immediate assessment but rather serves as supplementary information. An introductory step in patient transport may refer to a procedural beginning but lacks the focus on life-threatening conditions that is central to the primary assessment's purpose.