Short Answer 
The secondary assessment of a conscious patient starts with evaluating their level of consciousness (LOC) to understand cognitive function and neurological status. Following this, a head-to-toe examination is conducted to identify visible injuries and assess vital signs, while distinguishing primary from secondary assessment actions helps prioritize care.
Step 1: Assess Level of Consciousness
The first action in the secondary assessment is to evaluate the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC). This involves checking how awake, alert, and responsive the patient is to stimuli. Understanding the LOC helps in determining cognitive function and the overall neurologic status of the patient, which is crucial for effective treatment.
Step 2: Conduct a Head-to-Toe Examination
Following the LOC assessment, it is important to perform a head-to-toe examination. This thorough evaluation should include:
- Inspecting for any visible injuries
- Checking vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure
- Assessing mental status and neurological function
This step ensures that all potential injuries are identified and properly documented.
Step 3: Distinguish Between Primary and Secondary Assessment Actions
Understanding what constitutes the secondary assessment is critical. Actions such as attaching a monitor/defibrillator, formulating a diagnosis, or administering IV/IO fluids are primarily part of the primary assessment. This separation helps in prioritizing interventions and ensuring the patient receives timely and appropriate care based on their condition.