What type of injury might be found during a secondary assessment?

A secondary assessment is conducted after an initial assessment and provides an opportunity to identify additional injuries that may not be life-threatening but still require attention. During this phase, the responder systematically evaluates the patient for other injuries that may not be immediately noticeable, especially after addressing any major or life-threatening conditions.

A dislocated shoulder can be a common injury identified during a secondary assessment. This injury often presents with visible deformity, restricted movement, and significant pain, but it might not be apparent right away during the initial assessment, especially if the focus was on more critical life-threatening conditions. The thorough examination of the joints and limbs during the secondary assessment may reveal such injuries.

In contrast, a fractured wrist, severe burn, or head laceration could be either evident immediately or categorized as potentially life-threatening injuries that need urgent attention. Severe burns, for instance, can drastically affect a person's vital signs and warrant immediate care, while a head laceration may involve assessing for conditions like a concussion. Thus, these conditions may demand priority in treatment, while a dislocated shoulder typically aligns with what might be discovered during a more comprehensive follow-up assessment.