Question:easy
In the primary survey, which is NOT included?
In the primary survey, which is NOT included?
Show Hint
Imaging in the scanner belongs to a later survey, not the bedside ABCDE.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- CECT to look for bleeding
- Exposure of the whole body
- ABC
- Recording BP
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Recall the sequence: The primary survey is the cABCDE drill done at the bedside in the first minutes, catastrophic haemorrhage, Airway with C-spine, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure. Everything in it can be done with hands, eyes and simple monitors.
Spot the odd one out: A contrast CT scan needs the patient to be moved to radiology, which is unsafe while unstable, so it can only happen after stabilisation, in the secondary survey or definitive imaging phase. That makes CECT the step NOT in the primary survey, option A.
Validate the rest: Exposure of the whole body is literally the E of the sequence. ABC is the heart of the protocol. Recording blood pressure is part of judging circulation under C. All three genuinely belong, so none can be the negative answer.
Exam tip: If an option requires a scanner or operating room, it is almost never part of the primary survey, whose whole purpose is rapid bedside life-saving.
Ref: Bailey and Love, Short Practice of Surgery, 27e, Pg 323.
Spot the odd one out: A contrast CT scan needs the patient to be moved to radiology, which is unsafe while unstable, so it can only happen after stabilisation, in the secondary survey or definitive imaging phase. That makes CECT the step NOT in the primary survey, option A.
Validate the rest: Exposure of the whole body is literally the E of the sequence. ABC is the heart of the protocol. Recording blood pressure is part of judging circulation under C. All three genuinely belong, so none can be the negative answer.
Exam tip: If an option requires a scanner or operating room, it is almost never part of the primary survey, whose whole purpose is rapid bedside life-saving.
Ref: Bailey and Love, Short Practice of Surgery, 27e, Pg 323.
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