Which statement best describes analgesic management during the secondary survey?

Which statement best describes analgesic management during the secondary survey?

• A. Analgesia was not considered during the assessment.
• B. Analgesia was refused by the patient.
• C. An appropriate dose of analgesia has been ordered and administered.
• D. Analgesia was delayed until hospital arrival.

Answer: (C)

Pain management during the secondary survey should be active; giving an appropriate dose of analgesia that has been ordered and administered shows that analgesia is being integrated into the ongoing trauma assessment. Providing pain relief helps the patient stay still and cooperative, allows for a more accurate head-to-toe examination, and prevents pain from masking injuries or provoking agitation. The dose is chosen based on the patient’s age, weight, injuries, and overall stability, and is monitored for effects on airway, breathing, and circulation. Analgesia should not be withheld when there are no contraindications, and it should be reconsidered as reassessment continues. Statements that analgesia wasn’t considered, was refused, or was delayed until arrival don’t reflect the standard approach of actively managing pain during the secondary survey.

Pain management during the secondary survey should be active; giving an appropriate dose of analgesia that has been ordered and administered shows that analgesia is being integrated into the ongoing trauma assessment. Providing pain relief helps the patient stay still and cooperative, allows for a more accurate head-to-toe examination, and prevents pain from masking injuries or provoking agitation. The dose is chosen based on the patient’s age, weight, injuries, and overall stability, and is monitored for effects on airway, breathing, and circulation. Analgesia should not be withheld when there are no contraindications, and it should be reconsidered as reassessment continues. Statements that analgesia wasn’t considered, was refused, or was delayed until arrival don’t reflect the standard approach of actively managing pain during the secondary survey.