ATI Concepts I – Assessment A Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The acronym ABCDE in the context of patient assessment stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This framework is used primarily in emergency situations to guide healthcare providers in performing a rapid yet thorough assessment of a patient's critical status.

Starting with Airway, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the patient’s airway is clear and unobstructed, as any compromise in the airway can lead to severe complications. Breathing follows, focusing on the patient’s respiratory status and the adequacy of their oxygenation. Circulation is assessed next to evaluate the heart’s function and blood flow, which are vital to maintaining life. Disability then involves a quick evaluation of the patient’s neurological status, often assessed using the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive). Finally, Exposure entails examining the patient for any additional injuries or underlying issues while taking care to respect the patient’s dignity and privacy.

This systematic approach allows healthcare providers to prioritize life-threatening conditions and perform interventions as needed, facilitating better outcomes in emergency situations. The other choices do not represent a commonly accepted or practiced framework in patient assessment, making them less relevant in this context.