In the clinical triage framework, which elements come after addressing airway, breathing, and circulation?

• A. Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
• B. Disability, exposure, and safety.
• C. Medications and allergies.
• D. Nursing physical assessment.

Answer: (B)

After you secure the airway, breathing, and circulation, you move into the next three checks: disability, exposure, and safety. Disability is a quick neurologic assessment to gauge brain function and level of consciousness, often using a simple mental status check or a Glasgow Coma Scale, to identify any compromise in perfusion to the brain or central nervous system. Exposure means you carefully expose the patient as needed to inspect for hidden injuries, manage wounds, and assess for temperature changes, all while preventing hypothermia and maintaining spine precautions if trauma is suspected. Safety focuses on ensuring the scene and the patient are protected from further harm, securing monitoring and lines, and addressing environmental risks. This sequence helps catch problems that aren’t immediately life-threatening but could worsen if overlooked, while continuing to protect the patient and prepare for ongoing care. Medications and allergies aren’t part of this immediate primary survey, and a general nursing physical assessment, though important, is not the next step in the rapid triage flow.