In ABCDE of a trauma patient, the word 'D' stands for?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

'D' in the ABCDE mnemonic for trauma assessment stands for Disability.
This step involves a rapid neurological evaluation to assess the patient's level of consciousness and identify potential life-threatening brain or spinal cord injuries.
Assessment tools used during this phase include the AVPU scale (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive) and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
Pupil size, equality, and reactivity to light are also checked to look for signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Option A: While obtaining a history of drug use is important in patient assessment (often as part of the secondary survey's 'AMPLE' history), 'D' in the primary ABCDE survey specifically refers to neurological Disability.
Option C: Dengue is a specific mosquito-borne viral illness and is not a component of the universal ABCDE primary survey protocol for trauma patients.
Option D: The entire purpose of the ABCDE assessment is to identify and manage conditions that could lead to deterioration. However, the letter 'D' itself does not stand for deterioration; it represents the specific assessment of Disability.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing The ABCDE approach in trauma assessment in acute care settings.
The ABCDE approach is a fundamental, standardized method used by all healthcare professionals in emergency situations to ensure that life-threatening problems are treated in order of priority.
A rapid 'D' assessment is critical. A change in consciousness is often the first sign of a serious head injury. Early identification allows for timely interventions like CT scans and neurosurgical consultation, which can be life-saving.
What if? If a patient initially assessed as 'A' (Alert) on the AVPU scale later becomes responsive only to 'P' (Pain), this indicates a deteriorating neurological status. The nurse must immediately reassess the full ABCDE sequence, notify the physician, and prepare for interventions to manage rising intracranial pressure.

How to Approach the Question

This question tests your recall of a fundamental medical mnemonic.
First, identify the core concept being tested, which is the ABCDE primary survey used in trauma and emergency care.
Systematically recall the meaning of each letter in the sequence: A = Airway, B = Breathing, C = Circulation, D = Disability, E = Exposure/Environment.
Match the letter 'D' from the question to its corresponding term, which is 'Disability'.
Evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. 'Drugs', 'Dengue', and 'Deterioration' are not part of this specific primary survey mnemonic.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QRKq2eq-D3ULntY5Pz9Ykx

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1400-1402

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.