ABCDE Assessment

what is the ABCDE assessment approach used for?

a systematic, quick method to access acutely unwell or deteriorating patients, addressing life-threatening problems first.

What does ABCDE stand for?

• Airway

• Breathing

• Circulation

• Disability

• Exposure

What should you do if you are unsure during an ABCDE assessment?

Call for help and reassess from the beginning

What are signs of airway obstruction?

Gurgling, Stridor (noisy breathing), Snoring, Cyanosis, Inability to speak, Increased WOB

What are causes of airway obstructions?

Secretions, Inflammation, decreased consciousness, trauma, laryngospasm (involuntary spasm of vocal chords), tongue displacement

What are types of airway adjuncts?

Nasopharyngeal, oral (Guedel), endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, laryngectomy

What are the key checks in breathing assessment?

Self ventilating, Respiratory rate, symmetrical chest expansion, SPo2, X-ray findings

What are SPo2 target ranges?

• Normal > 96

• COPD/Respiratory patients = 88-92

What are signs of respiratory compromise?

Hypoxia, tachyponea, accessory muscle use, asymmetrical expansion

What scales are used to assess unresponsiveness?

• ACVPU (alert, confused, voice, pain, unresponsiveness)

• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

What else is assessed under disability?

Pupils, seizures, pain, sedation, muscle tone, posture

What should you check under exposure?

Rashes, bleeding, bruising, oedema, wounds, pressure areas, lines/drains, fractures, infection signs

Why is patient dignity important during exposure?

To maintain respect while carrying out a thorough assessment

What is NEWS2 ?

National Early Warning Score 2 - aggregated scoring system using routine observations to detect deterioration early

What parameters are included in NEWS2 ?

Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, systolic bp, pulse rate, level of consciousness/new confusion, temperature.

Why is NEWS2 important?

Helps deterioration, guides escalation of care and identifies trends