Overview
Introduction
The ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) framework is a systematic approach to rapidly assessing acutely ill or deteriorating patients.
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN
The ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) framework is a systematic approach to rapidly assessing acutely ill or deteriorating patients. Each step is assessed sequentially with life-threatening problems addressed immediately before moving on. Airway: check patency (speaking = patent), look for obstruction, listen for stridor or gurgling, intervene with positioning, suctioning, or advanced airway. Breathing: respiratory rate, depth, pattern, chest symmetry, SpO2, accessory muscle use, tracheal position, auscultation. Circulation: heart rate, BP, capillary refill (> 3 seconds = poor perfusion), skin color/temperature/moisture, ECG rhythm, urine output. Disability: AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) or GCS, pupil assessment, blood glucose, lateralizing signs. Exposure: full body examination while preventing hypothermia.
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