What vital signs should be checked during a secondary assessment?

During a secondary assessment, checking the pulse rate and character is crucial because it provides essential insights into the patient's cardiovascular health and overall physiological status. The pulse rate indicates how many times the heart is beating per minute, while the character, or quality of the pulse, can reveal important information about the strength and rhythm of the heartbeat.

A weak or irregular pulse may indicate shock or other medical emergencies, while a strong, bounding pulse could suggest various conditions, including hyperinflation or hypertension. Evaluating both aspects allows a responder to gather comprehensive data about the patient's condition, which is vital for making informed decisions about further care or the need for advanced medical support.

While blood pressure and heart rate are important vital signs, they are generally assessed as part of a more comprehensive evaluation rather than during the secondary assessment. Checking only skin color or respiration rate alone does not provide a full picture of the patient's circulatory and systemic status, which is why the focus on pulse rate and character is a more effective approach during the secondary assessment.