Exposure/ Examine

Question 1

What does the ‘E’ in ABCDE stand for?

Answer 1

Exposure and Examine (Environmental control).

Question 2

Why is full body exposure important in trauma assessment?

Answer 2

To identify hidden injuries that may be missed without exposure.

Question 3

What tool is essential for exposure during trauma care?

Answer 3

Trauma shears or scissors.

Question 4

What is the risk of exposing a trauma patient?

Answer 4

Hypothermia due to loss of body heat.

Question 5

What should be done immediately after exposing the patient?

Answer 5

Cover with warm blankets or use warming devices.

Question 6

What should you examine after exposure?

Answer 6

The entire body including posterior surfaces.

Question 7

What is the importance of checking the back in trauma?

Answer 7

To identify posterior injuries like exit wounds, abrasions, or bleeding.

Question 8

What should be done before rolling the patient to examine the back?

Answer 8

Stabilize the cervical spine and ensure safe coordination.

Question 9

What should be used to prevent heat loss during examination?

Answer 9

Thermal blankets, reflective covers, or hypothermia kits.

Question 10

Why is skin color assessed during exposure?

Answer 10

To evaluate perfusion, cyanosis, or signs of shock.

Question 11

What environmental factor must be considered during exposure?

Answer 11

Temperature and weather conditions to prevent hypothermia.

Question 12

Why are log rolls used in trauma assessment?

Answer 12

To examine the back while maintaining spinal precautions.

Question 13

When performing a secondary survey, what should be rechecked?

Answer 13

Full exposure for missed injuries or changes in condition.

Question 14

What does DCAP-BTLS stand for in trauma assessment?

Answer 14

Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.

Question 15

What should be assessed on the skin during exposure?

Answer 15

Wounds, bruises, burns, rashes, lacerations.

Question 16

Why should clothes be removed in trauma assessment?

Answer 16

To allow thorough examination for hidden injuries.

Question 17

What is the risk of not fully exposing the trauma patient?

Answer 17

Missed injuries that could be life-threatening.

Question 18

How can hypothermia affect trauma patients?

Answer 18

Worsens coagulopathy and increases mortality.

Question 19

What is a practical tip for managing exposure in the field?

Answer 19

Expose only as needed, then re-cover quickly.

Question 20

Why is it important to examine under splints or dressings?

Answer 20

To ensure injuries are not missed or worsening.

Question 21

How should modesty be respected during exposure?

Answer 21

Limit exposure to necessary areas and re-cover as soon as possible.

Question 22

What should you look for on the posterior thorax?

Answer 22

Exit wounds, abrasions, bruising, spinal tenderness.

Question 23

What should you look for on the posterior pelvis?

Answer 23

Deformities, instability, bleeding.

Question 24

What should you assess on the lower limbs during exposure?

Answer 24

Fractures, bleeding, deformities, pulse presence.

Question 25

What part of the ABCDE survey focuses on injury documentation?

Answer 25

Exposure/Examine step.

Question 26

Why is frequent reassessment necessary after exposure?

Answer 26

Patient condition may change or wounds may evolve.

Question 27

What is important to note with penetrating injuries?

Answer 27

Entry and exit wounds, trajectory, and associated damage.

Question 28

What is the appropriate environment for exposure during cold weather?

Answer 28

Warm, enclosed, and dry environment.

Question 29

What is a critical environmental control for trauma patients?

Answer 29

Preventing exposure-related hypothermia.

Question 30

What are signs of a developing compartment syndrome?

Answer 30

Pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, pulselessness.

Question 31

Why is it important to examine the axilla and groin areas?

Answer 31

Junctional areas prone to hidden bleeding or wounds.

Question 32

What should be examined on the abdomen during exposure?

Answer 32

Distention, bruising (e.g., Cullen or Grey-Turner's sign), rigidity.

Question 33

Why are injuries to the flank important?

Answer 33

May indicate renal or retroperitoneal injury.

Question 34

What should you do if you find a large open wound?

Answer 34

Control bleeding, cover with sterile dressing, and reassess ABCs.

Question 35

What type of injuries require urgent exposure and evaluation?

Answer 35

Penetrating trauma, burns, junctional hemorrhage.

Question 36

How is temperature monitored in exposed trauma patients?

Answer 36

Core temperature (if possible) or skin assessment.

Question 37

What should be done for open fractures?

Answer 37

Cover with sterile dressing and stabilize the limb.

Question 38

What role does lighting play during exposure?

Answer 38

Good lighting ensures thorough examination and injury identification.

Question 39

What can cause delays in exposure during tactical situations?

Answer 39

Hostile environment, limited personnel, or urgent evacuation.

Question 40

When should you stop the exposure process?

Answer 40

If it delays life-saving interventions or increases risk of hypothermia.

Question 41

What should be assessed on the chest during exposure?

Answer 41

Contusions, open wounds, paradoxical motion, instability.

Question 42

Why is the scalp examined during exposure?

Answer 42

To identify lacerations, fractures, or concealed bleeding.

Question 43

What does a bruised flank or abdomen suggest?

Answer 43

Possible internal bleeding.

Question 44

What should be assessed on the neck during exposure?

Answer 44

Jugular vein distention, tracheal deviation, wounds.

Question 45

Why is early identification of hidden wounds important?

Answer 45

Reduces risk of complications and improves outcomes.

Question 46

What protective measure should accompany every exposure?

Answer 46

Maintaining body temperature.

Question 47

What is the importance of re-covering a patient after exposure?

Answer 47

To reduce heat loss and protect against hypothermia.

Question 48

What is often missed if the posterior is not examined?

Answer 48

Exit wounds or pressure sores in immobilized patients.

Question 49

What mnemonic is commonly used for physical exam during exposure?

Answer 49

DCAP-BTLS: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.