Within the ABCDE trauma assessment framework, what does the 'Disability' step primarily evaluate?

• A. Airway patency
• B. Neurologic status, including level of consciousness and pupil response
• C. Breathing effectiveness
• D. Limb perfusion

Answer: (B)

Disability in the trauma assessment is a quick check of brain function. It centers on neurologic status, primarily how awake or altered the patient is and how they respond to stimuli. You assess level of consciousness—often with a simple scale or by noting alertness, orientation, and ability to follow commands—and you also check pupil size and how they react to light. These signs help you spot neurologic injury or deterioration early, which is crucial for making decisions about further care and transport. This step is distinct from airway checks (ensuring the airway is open) and breathing checks (how effectively the patient is ventilating) as well as from circulation checks (looking at blood flow and perfusion).