Which are the key components of the primary survey in trauma assessment?

The primary survey in trauma assessment is designed to quickly identify and address life-threatening conditions in a patient. The key components of this survey are encapsulated in the acronym ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.

Airway is the first step to ensure that the patient has a clear path for air to enter the lungs; any obstruction can be immediately life-threatening. Following that, Breathing assesses the adequacy of the patient's ventilation, as effective oxygenation is critical for survival. Circulation evaluates the heart's ability to pump blood and checks for signs of shock, bleeding, or cardiac events. Disability involves a brief check of neurological function, ensuring the patient is responsive and assessing the level of consciousness. Finally, Exposure involves removing clothing to assess for any other injuries while maintaining the patient's warmth.

This systematic approach allows responders to prioritize interventions based on the immediate needs of the patient. The other options provided do not align with recognized medical protocols or terminology used in trauma assessment, which emphasizes the importance of the ABCDE framework in a structured and efficient manner.