Which component of the primary survey assesses neurological status?

• A. Airway management
• B. Disability
• C. Breathing
• D. Exposure

Answer: (B)

In the primary trauma survey, the neurological status is assessed during the Disability portion. This step focuses on how the brain is functioning by evaluating mental status and neurological reflexes. Practically, you check level of consciousness using a simple scale like AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) or the Glasgow Coma Scale, and you assess pupils for size and reaction to light. You also observe motor responses to commands or to pain to gauge how the nervous system is coordinating movement. This information helps identify potential head injury, intracranial pressure changes, or spinal cord involvement and guides urgent decisions.

Airway management is about keeping the airway open and protected, and addressing obstruction or need for airway adjuncts or intubation. Breathing evaluates ventilatory status, oxygenation, and chest mechanics. Exposure involves fully undressing the patient to look for injuries and to prevent hypothermia. None of these directly measure brain function the way the Disability assessment does, which is why Disability is the component that assesses neurological status.