What is the difference between ATLS primary survey and secondary survey?

• A. Secondary survey is the rapid assessment for life threats.
• B. Primary survey includes a thorough head-to-toe assessment after stabilization.
• C. There is no difference between primary and secondary surveys.
• D. Primary survey rapidly identifies and treats life threats.

Answer: (D)

In ATLS, the assessment moves from addressing immediate life threats to a full injury survey. The primary survey focuses on rapidly identifying and intervening for life-threatening conditions—airway with cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, disability (neurologic status), and exposure—with quick actions to stabilize the patient. Once those threats are controlled, the secondary survey begins, which is a thorough head-to-toe examination along with a detailed history and targeted imaging and labs to uncover injuries that aren’t immediately life-threatening. This sequencing explains why the primary survey is described as rapidly identifying and treating life threats. The other statements mix up the order or scope of the surveys, or claim there’s no difference, which doesn’t align with the ATLS framework.