In the primary assessment, what does ABC refer to?

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Multiple Choice

In the primary assessment, what does ABC refer to?

The primary assessment prioritizes life-sustaining functions in this order: airway, breathing, then circulation. Airway comes first because if the airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs regardless of how well you’re breathing. Once the airway is clear or secured, you evaluate breathing to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation; if breathing is insufficient, you provide support, such as assisted ventilation and supplemental oxygen. Lastly, you assess circulation to confirm there’s enough blood flow to deliver oxygen to vital organs, address severe bleeding, and support perfusion as needed. Other choices don’t reflect this urgent sequence, since they include terms that aren’t part of the immediate priorities of a primary survey.

The primary assessment prioritizes life-sustaining functions in this order: airway, breathing, then circulation. Airway comes first because if the airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs regardless of how well you’re breathing. Once the airway is clear or secured, you evaluate breathing to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation; if breathing is insufficient, you provide support, such as assisted ventilation and supplemental oxygen. Lastly, you assess circulation to confirm there’s enough blood flow to deliver oxygen to vital organs, address severe bleeding, and support perfusion as needed. Other choices don’t reflect this urgent sequence, since they include terms that aren’t part of the immediate priorities of a primary survey.

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