Master the Mayhem: 2025 ATLS Practice Exam – Be the Trauma Hero!

The primary survey in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is a critical step in the management of trauma patients and stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This sequence is designed to quickly identify and address life-threatening conditions in patients.

Airway refers to assessing and ensuring that the airway is clear and protected against obstruction. The next step, Breathing, involves evaluating the patient's ability to breathe effectively and ensuring adequate ventilation. Circulation focuses on assessing the patient's blood circulation and identifying any signs of hemorrhagic shock or other circulatory issues. Disability assesses the neurological status of the patient, often using the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) to determine the level of consciousness. Finally, Exposure involves fully exposing the patient to assess for any additional injuries while ensuring that the patient is kept warm to prevent hypothermia.

The other options do not reflect the standard terminology and sequence used in the primary survey of ATLS, which is crucial for systematic trauma assessment and management. Therefore, the correct sequence is essential for healthcare professionals to provide rapid and effective care in emergency situations.