PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Initial assessment PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Initial assessment The primary survey always takes precedence, followed by a careful systems examination paying particular attention to the abdomen and chest. Spinal cord injury may mask signs of intra-abdominal injury . PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Initial assessment The primary survey always takes precedence, followed by a careful systems examination paying particular attention to the abdomen and chest. Spinal cord injury may mask signs of intra-abdominal injury . PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Initial assessment The primary survey always takes precedence, followed by a careful systems examination paying particular attention to the abdomen and chest. Spinal cord injury may mask signs of intra-abdominal injury .