Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

One key component of the tertiary survey in trauma assessment is a comprehensive head-to-toe examination to identify any missed injuries. This phase typically occurs 24 hours after the initial evaluation and is crucial for detecting injuries that may not have been apparent during the primary and secondary surveys.

The tertiary survey focuses on re-evaluating the patient thoroughly, as subtle injuries can become evident with time or may have been overlooked due to the patient's unstable condition during the initial assessment. This thorough examination is essential to ensure that any additional treatments or interventions can be promptly initiated, improving the overall outcomes for trauma patients.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not align with the primary goals of the tertiary survey in trauma care. The detailed family history assessment, immediate surgical intervention, or analysis of social media activity do not address the need for an exhaustive re-evaluation of physical injuries, which is the essence of the tertiary survey.