In the ABCDE priority framework, what does the 'E' represent?

• A. Exposure
• B. Evaluation
• C. Environment
• D. Education

Answer: (A)

Exposure.

In the ABCDE sequence, the E step focuses on exposing the patient enough to perform a complete physical examination and to identify injuries or signs that aren’t visible through clothing—hidden bleeding, burns, wounds, rashes, or other trauma on parts of the body that might be shielded. After you’ve finished the inspection, you cover the patient again to prevent heat loss and protect dignity, since exposure without protection can lead to hypothermia in wounded or unstable patients. The other terms—Evaluation, Environment, Education—don’t capture this specific action of exposing the patient for a thorough assessment within the resuscitation sequence.