Primary Assessment - ANSThe first element in a patient assessment; steps taken for the
purpose of discovering and dealing with any life threatening problems. The six parts of primary
assessment are: forming a general impression, assessing circulation, and determining the
priority of the patient for treatment and transport to the hospital
Focus specifically on those that internet with airway, breathing, and circulation
Also referred to as primary survey or initial assessment
A-B-C - ANSAirway
Breathing
Circulation
Assessed in this order if patient had signs of life
C-A-B - ANSCirculatory (compressions)
Airway
Breathing
Assessed in this order if patient appears lifeless and has no pulse
Notes - ANSAny vomit in the airway that enters the lungs is very serious and often fatal.
Stomach contents contain solids that may obstruct the airway as well as strong acids that can
cause irritation within the airway. Some are saved by defibrillation but can later die due to
aspiration pneumonia or pneumonia is. Vital component of assessment is to suction the airway
as soon as needed and before ventilating
Notes 2 - ANSExsanguinating (very severe, life threatening) bleeding must be stopped
immediately. Damage to major vessels, especially arteries, can cause death extremely fast. Life
threatening blessings must be stopped immediately
Notes 3 - ANSBreathing and circulation are obviously vital for life. You must make sure that your
patient is breathing (and adequately for sustaining life). When it appears as if they are not
breathing or only taking very occasionally, ineffective breaths (agonal breathing), check for a
pulse then begin CPR if necessary.
Notes 4 - ANSIf immediate interventions such as bleeding control or CPR are not required, you
will shift into an important but less urgent mode where you will administer oxygen appropriate
for the patient's condition and evaluate for shock
General Impression - ANSImpression of the patient's condition that is formed on first
approaching the patient, based on the patient's environment, chief complaint, and appearance
D.C.A.P.P.B.T.L.S.T.I.C - ANSDeformity
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