ABCDE Principle

by Cathy Parkes October 31, 2019 Updated: December 29, 2021

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

Head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver can be used to secure airway UNLESS neck/head trauma is suspected. In that case, use modified jaw thrust maneuver.

Cathy Parkes

Lordosis, Kyphosis, and Scoliosis

Lordosis (excessive curvature of the lumbar spine) is a common finding in pregnancy and in toddlers. Kyphosis (excessive curvature of the thoracic spine) is a common finding in the older adults. Scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine) is always abnormal.

Tension Pneumothorax

A patient with a tension pneumothorax is likely to have tracheal deviation towards the unaffected side. Assess respiratory status in any patient with this finding!