ABCDE Assessment

Definition

ABCDE is the systematic emergency assessment framework used in trauma and rapid response situations, extending the classic ABCs.

Components

• A: Airway (with cervical spine protection in trauma)
• B: Breathing (rate, effort, oxygen)
• C: Circulation (pulse, bleeding control, fluid resuscitation)
• D: Disability (neurologic; gCS, pupils, limb movement, glucose)
• E: Exposure (fully expose patient to assess for injuries; prevent hypothermia)

When to Apply

Every trauma, rapid response, code, and emergency intubation scenario.

NCLEX Relevance

Standard trauma framework; extends ABCs for emergency prioritization.