What is the correct order of the primary survey in ATLS?

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Multiple Choice

What is the correct order of the primary survey in ATLS?

In ATLS the primary survey follows ABCDE, starting with airway management that also protects the cervical spine. Airway with inline cervical spine stabilization is done first to keep the airway open while preventing further neck injury. Next, assess and manage breathing to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Then evaluate circulation to control bleeding and maintain perfusion. After that, check disability to gauge neurological status and level of consciousness. Finally, expose the patient to inspect for hidden injuries, while taking measures to prevent hypothermia. The option that lists airway with inline cervical spine stabilization, followed by breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure matches this exact sequence. It correctly emphasizes protecting the spine during airway management and the ordered progression through airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The other options either omit the spine stabilization, or reorder the steps (such as disability before circulation or exposure before disability), which is not consistent with ATLS principles.

In ATLS the primary survey follows ABCDE, starting with airway management that also protects the cervical spine. Airway with inline cervical spine stabilization is done first to keep the airway open while preventing further neck injury. Next, assess and manage breathing to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Then evaluate circulation to control bleeding and maintain perfusion. After that, check disability to gauge neurological status and level of consciousness. Finally, expose the patient to inspect for hidden injuries, while taking measures to prevent hypothermia.

The option that lists airway with inline cervical spine stabilization, followed by breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure matches this exact sequence. It correctly emphasizes protecting the spine during airway management and the ordered progression through airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The other options either omit the spine stabilization, or reorder the steps (such as disability before circulation or exposure before disability), which is not consistent with ATLS principles.

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