When performing a secondary survey, which of the following is critical to ask the patient?

In the context of a secondary survey, asking the patient if they experience pain is critical because pain can provide essential information about the nature and severity of injuries. By inquiring about pain, the responder can assess the affected areas, understand the level of distress the patient is experiencing, and identify potential underlying conditions that require immediate attention. Additionally, knowing where the patient feels pain can help guide further evaluation and treatment, including focusing on specific body systems that may be damaged.

The other alternatives, while potentially useful, do not prioritize immediate clinical assessment in the same way. For instance, knowing the patient’s name can help establish rapport and alertness but does not provide direct clinical insights. Asking how the injury happened can yield important context for assessing mechanisms of injury, but this information is secondary to understanding the patient's current state of discomfort. Lastly, inquiring about the hospital's location does not contribute to the clinical understanding of the patient's condition or guide immediate care. Therefore, focusing on whether the patient experiences pain is the most critical and relevant aspect during the secondary survey.