ABCs and Examinations

Question 1

Full ABC:

Answer 1

Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Disability (neuro)
Exposure and Environment
Fits
Glucose
History: AMPLE
Immediate analgesia and Investigations

Question 2

AMPLE history

Answer 2

Allergies
Medication
Past/Present serious medical conditions
Last food and drink
Events leading to presentation/admission

Question 3

Airway check:

Answer 3

Is it patent?
Is it at risk?
Do they require an airway adjunct?

Question 4

Breathing check:

Answer 4

Are they breathing?
Oxygen saturation
Respiratory rate
Oxygen requirement?
Signs of respiratory distress

Question 5

Circulation check:

Answer 5

Heart rate
Blood pressure
Capillary refill time
Fluid status
Temperature of peripheries/skin changes
Signs of blood loss

Question 6

Disability check:

Answer 6

AVPU –> GCS

Pupils: equal and reactive?

Question 7

Exposure and Environment check:

Answer 7

Expose and look at whole patient.
Temperature
Ensure exacerbating environmental factors are dealt with.

Question 8

Basic structure of examination:

Answer 8

Inspect
Palpate
Percuss
Auscultate

Question 9

Basic structure of ortho examination

Answer 9

Look
Feel
Move

Question 10

Cardio examination:

Answer 10

General inspection patient and surroundings.

Peripheral signs:
Hands: capillary refill time, nail signs
Pulses: Rate, Rhythm, Volume, Character
Blood pressure

Head and neck:
Carotid pulse
Dentition - Endocarditis
JVP
Hydration state

Chest:
Inspect chest
Palpate for heaves, thrills and apex beat
Auscultate: MTPA regions. Manoeuvres. Radiation.

Oedema:
Lung bases
Ankles

Question 11

What are the components of the GCS?

Answer 11

Eyes:
Open spontaneously: 4
Open to command: 3
Open to pain: 2
Don't open: 1

Speech:
Speaking full sentences: 5
Speaking is confused: 4
Speaking inappropriate words: 3
Incomprehensible sounds: 2
No noises: 1

Movement:
Moving to command: 6
Localises to pain: 5
Withdraws from pain: 4
Inappropriate flexion from pain: 3
Inappropriate extension from pain: 2
No movement