ABCDE Assessment (Primary Survey)

Cover image for: ABCDE Assessment (Primary Survey)
CPDTime.
1h 40m
Updated 20 Dec 2023 Certificate ANCC Accredited

The ABCDE assessment approach is a vital tool for healthcare professionals dealing with deteriorating or critically ill patients. This systematic, rapid bedside assessment focuses on prioritised initial management of life-threatening conditions and improving the patient’s condition without an immediate need for a definitive diagnosis.

This Ausmed Course provides healthcare professionals with a step-by-step guide to applying the ABCDE assessment in their clinical practice, covering each assessment area (airway, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure) in detail, from identification to interventions.

Content

8 Video Units • 15 Questions
Pre-reflection
1 Question
Introduction
4m
Pretest
3 Questions
ABCDE Assessment Overview
1 Question
10m
A - Airway
2 Questions
12m
B - Breathing
2 Questions
16m
C - Circulation
2 Questions
16m
D - Disability
2 Questions
16m
E - Exposure
1 Question
8m
Conclusion
3m
Post-reflection
1 Question

What you'll learn:

1

Demonstrate an understanding of how to perform an ABCDE systematic assessment on critically ill patients in a timely and efficient manner.

2

Identify and differentiate between normal and abnormal findings during an ABCDE assessment and initiate appropriate interventions based on the patient's condition.

3

Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions initiated during the ABCDE assessment and modify the plan of care as needed based on the patient's response.

4

Collaborate and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members regarding the patient's assessment findings to develop an individualised care plan.

Who it's for:

This Ausmed Course is intended for paramedics, nurses and other healthcare professionals looking to increase their understanding of best practices for conducting a primary survey following the ABCDE systematic approach in the clinically deteriorating patient.

Why it's needed:

The ABCDE systematic assessment approach is used by healthcare professionals to assess and manage critically ill patients. This approach facilitates early recognition and response to clinical deterioration of a patient, which is fundamental to achieving positive patient outcomes, as delayed identification and management of deterioration can lead to potentially fatal outcomes.

It is essential that healthcare professionals regularly encountering critically ill patients in their practice have the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to signs of clinical deterioration and provide patients with safe, effective and timely care when they need it the most.

Purpose:

To provide a refreshed, enhanced and in-depth understanding of the ABCDE assessment approach to conducting a primary survey in line with National Safety and Quality Health Service Standard 8, ‘Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration’, in order to efficiently and safely recognise changes and respond to the deteriorating patient, improve practice and reduce adverse or sentinel events.

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Last updated20 Dec 2023

Published20 Dec 2023

Due for review30 Dec 2024
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ANCC Accredited
This course has been published with the American Nurses Credentialing Center Accreditation.
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