Which components are involved in the primary survey?

The primary survey is a crucial process in assessing a patient's immediate clinical needs, especially in emergency situations. The correct answer incorporates the ABCDE framework, which stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This systematic approach is designed to quickly identify and address life-threatening conditions.

• Airway ensures that the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed.

• Breathing assesses the adequacy of the patient’s ventilation and oxygenation.

• Circulation evaluates the heart's ability to pump blood and the presence of circulatory shock.

• Disability provides a quick neurological assessment, often using the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) to gauge the patient's level of consciousness.

• Exposure involves fully exposing the patient to assess for any hidden injuries, while also considering the circumstances — ensuring the patient's warmth is maintained.

This methodical assessment allows for prompt recognition of critical issues that could lead to deterioration if not managed immediately. Other choices do not reflect the recognized primary survey components; they may address different aspects of patient care but lack the same immediacy or structured order necessary for emergency assessment.