Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The key components of the primary survey in trauma assessment are essential for ensuring that life-threatening conditions are identified and addressed promptly. The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach, which stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.

Starting with Airway, it is crucial to assess and secure the airway to prevent any obstruction that could compromise breathing. Following this, Breathing is evaluated to ensure that the patient is ventilating adequately and that there are no signs of respiratory distress or failure. Circulation focuses on assessing the heart rate, blood pressure, and signs of shock, allowing for immediate intervention if needed. Disability involves a quick neurological assessment to determine the patient's level of consciousness and any potential brain injuries. Finally, Exposure entails removing clothing to perform a thorough examination while ensuring the patient’s temperature is maintained, preventing hypothermia.

These components must be performed in a systematic manner to stabilize the trauma patient effectively. The structured approach of this survey allows for rapid identification and treatment of critical injuries, which is vital in trauma care.