Which mnemonic is used to remember the primary assessment components in PHTLS?

Which mnemonic is used to remember the primary assessment components in PHTLS?

• A. ABCDE
• B. CABD
• C. ABCDE+F
• D. AIDET

Answer: (A)

The primary assessment in PHTLS is encapsulated by the mnemonic ABCDE, which stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This framework is crucial for assessing trauma patients in a systematic manner, ensuring that life-threatening conditions are identified and addressed promptly. Airway refers to ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and that they can breathe effectively. Breathing involves checking for adequate ventilation and ensuring that the patient is getting sufficient oxygen. Circulation assesses the heart rate, rhythm, and blood flow, addressing any signs of shock or bleeding. Disability focuses on the neurological status of the patient, often evaluated using the AVPU scale (Alert, Verbal response, Pain response, Unresponsive). Finally, Exposure means stripping away clothing to thoroughly examine for any injuries or signs of trauma. The other options do not represent the primary assessment mnemonic used in PHTLS. CABD is a variation that focuses first on circulation, which is sometimes used in specific emergency protocols but is not the standard mnemonic. ABCDE+F adds a “+F” for full exposure, but the foundational acronym is ABCDE. AIDET, standing for Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You, is more related to

The primary assessment in PHTLS is encapsulated by the mnemonic ABCDE, which stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This framework is crucial for assessing trauma patients in a systematic manner, ensuring that life-threatening conditions are identified and addressed promptly.

Airway refers to ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and that they can breathe effectively. Breathing involves checking for adequate ventilation and ensuring that the patient is getting sufficient oxygen. Circulation assesses the heart rate, rhythm, and blood flow, addressing any signs of shock or bleeding. Disability focuses on the neurological status of the patient, often evaluated using the AVPU scale (Alert, Verbal response, Pain response, Unresponsive). Finally, Exposure means stripping away clothing to thoroughly examine for any injuries or signs of trauma.

The other options do not represent the primary assessment mnemonic used in PHTLS. CABD is a variation that focuses first on circulation, which is sometimes used in specific emergency protocols but is not the standard mnemonic. ABCDE+F adds a “+F” for full exposure, but the foundational acronym is ABCDE. AIDET, standing for Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You, is more related to