ABCDE Preliminary Assessment (Primary Survey)

Question 1

Airway - Assessment & Mx:

Answer 1

Assessment:
1. Check for any signs of obstruction?
2. Ascertain patency

Management:
1. Establish a patent airway

Protect cervical spine, if injury possible.

Question 2

Breathing - Assessment & Mx:

Answer 2

Assessment:
1. Count RR
2. Check B/L chest movement
3. Percuss
4. Auscultate

Mx:
1. If no respiratory effort - Rx as arrest - intubate & ventilate
2. If breathing compromised - give high-concentration O2
3. Mx according to findings

Question 3

Circulation - Assessment & Mx:

Answer 3

Assessment:
1. Check pulse
2. Check BP
3. Check capillary refill
4. Look for evidence of haemorrhage

Mx:
1. If shocked - Rx as shock
2. If no cardiac output - Rx as arrest

Question 4

Disability - Assessment

Answer 4

1. Assess ‘LOC’ - AVPU score (alert? responds to voice? to pain? unresponsive?)
2. Check pupils - size, equality, reactions.
3. GCS - if time allows
4. Glucose - if low - Rx

Question 5

Exposure - Assessment & Mx:

Answer 5

1. Undress pt
2. Head-to-toe exam
3. Cover to avoid hypothermia

Question 6

Quick Hx to assist Dx:

Answer 6

1. Events - surrounding onset of illness
2. PMH - DM, asthma, COPD, epilepsy, injury, alcohol, drug use, recent travel
3. Current Rx
4. Allergies