What does the "C" in the trauma assessment "ABC" stand for?

The "C" in the trauma assessment "ABC" stands for Circulation. In the context of trauma assessment, after ensuring the airway (A) is clear and breathing (B) is adequate, the focus shifts to circulation. This involves assessing blood volume and circulation, checking for signs of shock, controlling any external bleeding, and ensuring that the patient has adequate perfusion to vital organs. The assessment looks at pulse quality, skin color, temperature, and blood pressure to evaluate the circulatory status. This sequence is critical in trauma care, as addressing life-threatening conditions in order of priority can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Other options like cervical spine assessment, coagulation status, and cranial nerve assessment are important in their own right but do not represent the immediate priorities of the ABC approach in trauma situations. They come into play later in the evaluation or management process but are not included in the foundational ABC sequence that guides the initial assessment of a trauma patient.