What components should be included in a complete patient assessment?

A complete patient assessment is essential for ensuring that all critical aspects of a patient's condition are evaluated and understood. The combination of a primary assessment, secondary assessment, and ongoing reassessment provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's health status.

The primary assessment is focused on identifying and addressing any immediate life-threatening conditions. This includes checking the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation, which are known as the "ABC's." If there are any significant issues detected during this assessment, they should be managed immediately.

Following the primary assessment, the secondary assessment involves a more thorough examination of the patient's body, looking for additional injuries or signs of illness. This includes obtaining a detailed medical history and understanding the circumstances surrounding the patient's condition.

Finally, ongoing reassessment is crucial as it helps to monitor the patient's condition over time, particularly after interventions have been initiated. This continuous monitoring allows EMTs to quickly identify any changes that may require further action or adjustment in the treatment plan.

The other choices lack some critical elements that are necessary for a complete assessment. For instance, while vital signs and patient history are important, they are not sufficient without the systematic approach of primary and secondary assessments as well as continuous reassessment.