What is the first priority in using the ABCDE approach for emergency assessment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Securing the airway with cervical-spine protection as needed
The “Airway” component is first in the ABCDE approach because airway obstruction is the most immediate threat to life and must be addressed before other systems.
Keep practicing
More Rapid Emergency Assessment questions
- If a trauma patient arrives unresponsive with obvious massive external bleeding, which step may take precedence over the standard A-B-C ord…
- During the primary survey, which finding in breathing assessment is most likely to require immediate intervention?
- What is a priority intervention for suspected hypovolemic shock during the circulation step of the primary survey?
- Regarding the 'D' in ABCDE, what does the nurse assess in the Disability component?
- Which element is included in the 'E' component of the ABCDE approach?
- When should the nurse begin the secondary survey in a trauma patient?