Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What are the early assessment steps for a conscious patient?

1. Vital signs, history, secondary assessment

2. Secondary assessment, vital signs, history

3. History, secondary assessment, vital signs

4. History, physical exam, vital signs

The correct answer is: History, secondary assessment, vital signs

The correct sequence for the early assessment steps for a conscious patient typically begins with obtaining the patient's history, followed by a secondary assessment, and then checking vital signs. Starting with the patient's history is crucial because it provides context about the patient's current condition, including any relevant medical history, medications they might be taking, or recent health changes. This foundational information helps to tailor further assessments and interventions appropriately. The secondary assessment is performed next to gather detailed information about the patient's signs and symptoms, examining any specific areas of concern. This step is vital to identify potential injuries or health issues that may not be immediately obvious from the history alone. Lastly, measuring vital signs is key to assessing the patient's current state of health, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. This step often confirms or challenges the findings from the history and secondary assessment. Thus, the rationale behind this order—history first, followed by secondary assessment and then vital signs—demonstrates a systematic approach to patient evaluation that prioritizes understanding the patient's condition before moving on to physiological measurements.