What is considered the first step in a secondary survey of a patient?

In the context of a secondary survey, obtaining vital signs is key because it provides crucial baseline data about the patient’s physiological status. Vital signs, which include blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, offer insights into the patient's overall health and help guide further assessment and treatment decisions. Having this information early in the secondary survey allows medical personnel to recognize deviations from normal ranges that may indicate critical conditions, enabling appropriate prioritization of care.

While assessing the airway is essential, it is typically part of the primary survey aimed at ensuring the patient’s airway is clear and unobstructed. The check for bleeding is also part of this fundamental assessment. Performing a head-to-toe assessment comes after establishing the initial vital signs and addressing any immediate life threats. The systematic approach of starting with vital signs ensures that providers have a complete understanding of the patient's status before moving on to more detailed examinations. Hence, this step is foundational in forming a comprehensive care plan for the patient.