What does a primary survey assess in a patient?

The primary survey is a critical first step in assessing a patient, particularly in emergency situations. It focuses on identifying any life-threatening emergencies that require immediate attention. During this assessment, the healthcare provider checks for airway obstruction, breathing difficulties, and circulation issues, including any severe bleeding. The goal is to quickly determine if the patient is in a life-threatening situation and to initiate the necessary interventions to stabilize them.

Assessing the presence of life-threatening emergencies is crucial because timely recognition and intervention can significantly improve the patient's outcome. For instance, if a patient is found to have compromised breathing or circulation, immediate life-saving measures can be taken, which may include administering oxygen, performing CPR, or controlling bleeding.

The other options, like gathering details of the patient's medical history, assessing range of motion in the joints, or evaluating overall fitness level, are important aspects of a comprehensive patient assessment but are not part of the primary survey. These elements typically follow after the primary survey has ensured that the patient's immediate life-threatening conditions have been addressed.