When every second counts in an emergency, nurses follow a simple lifesaving formula: the ABCs, which stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Nursing is not just about checking vitals and charting, but also means mastering the ABCs that guide every critical decision. ABCs in nursing refer to a foundational framework that nurses rely on to prioritize patient care. In this blog, we will discuss in detail what the ABCs are in nursing and why they matter.
ABCs in Nursing
Whether at the bedside, in the ER, or during routine checks, ABCs in nursing usually refer to a foundational framework that nurses use to prioritize patient care and protect them from preventable harm.
- A: Airway
- B: Breathing
- C: Circulation
Airway
We all know that the body cannot survive without oxygen, and therefore, securing the airway is the first step in patient care. The nurses should always look for the things that block the airway, for example:
Obstruction: This can be food, foreign objects, or vomiting. This can obstruct the airway and make it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Swelling: Another reason that makes it difficult for a patient to breathe is swelling due to allergies, infections, and burns.
Trauma: This can include injuries to the neck, throat, or head, which can make it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Techniques:
Techniques that nurses can use to help patients breathe and clear their airway are as follows:
Proper positioning: Gently positioning the head or lifting the chin to open the airway of the patient.
Jaw thrust maneuver: When spinal injury is suspected, this technique is used to open the airway without moving the cervical spine.
Jaw thrust maneuver/abdominal thrust: This is the technique that is used when the patient is conscious but choking on an object that is making it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Suction: Another technique used to clear the airway is suction. When there is mucus or excessive secretions, blood, or vomit.
Airway adjuncts: These are the tools that are specially used for unconscious or semi-conscious patients to keep their airway open when they can’t do it on their own.
- Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA): Used for unconscious patients and keeps the airway open via the mouth.
- Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA): Used in semi-conscious patients and keeps the airway open via the nose.
Signs of airway obstruction in patients:
Nurses, while checking the airway obstruction in patients, should look for the following signs:
- Inability to speak or make sounds.
- Decreased or no breath sounds.
- Gurgling or snoring noises.
- High-pitched, noisy breathing.
- Bluish skin or lips show a lack of oxygen in patients, known as cyanosis.
Why does the airway always come first in ABCs in nursing?
The human body cannot survive without oxygen, and therefore, the Airway always comes first. If the patient can’t breathe, this means that no oxygen is reaching the lungs. And no oxygen means the brain and heart start failing in minutes, which can lead to the patient’s death.
Breathing
In the ABCs of nursing, once the nurse confirms that the airway is open, the next thing they should assess is whether the oxygen is reaching the lungs effectively or not. The nurse should assess the following in the patient:
Respiratory rate: This means how fast the patient is breathing.
Sound or depth of breaths: abnormal breathing sounds such as wheezing.
Oxygen saturation: This is measured by a pulse oximeter and indicates how much oxygen is in the blood.
Signs of difficulty in breathing in patients:
Some other signs to look for in patients are.
- Struggling to breathe
- Using extra muscles.
- Showing signs of distress.
- Abnormal breathing signs.
Interventions:
Nurses can take the following steps to make sure that the patient is breathing fine:
- Supply or administer oxygen via mask or nasal.
- Positioning the patient, such as making them sit upright, can make breathing easier.
- Using a mechanical ventilator to assist breathing.
- Administering medications such as bronchodilators or steroids is given in some cases.
Why does it matter to check the breathing of the patient in the ABCs of nursing?
Even if the airway is open, it is still important to check that the patient is breathing effectively. Without adequate breathing, the organs might fail, and the patient’s condition can deteriorate quickly.
Circulation
The next priority in ABCs after airway and breathing is circulation. Once nurses confirm that the patient’s airway is open and is breathing effectively, the next step is to check circulation. Circulation means that the oxygen-rich blood is reaching the organs of the patient’s body. Nurses should check the following:
Pulse: Rate and rhythm, ie, the irregular heartbeat indicates circulatory problems.
Blood pressure: This shows how much force the heart is using to pump blood.
Skin color and temperature: The color and temperature of the skin also indicate poor circulation, such as pale, cool, or mottled skin.
Capillary refill: Pressing the fingernail to see how quickly the color returns to check the blood flow.
Steps nurses should take to manage blood circulation:
Blood loss: Stop external or internal bleeding.
Arrhythmias: Abnormal heartbeats can also reduce the blood flow and affect the circulation.
Shock: When patients are not getting enough blood to their organs.
Why does circulation matter in the ABCs of nursing?
Circulation of blood is important because it delivers oxygen from the lungs to every cell of the body. Without it, vital organs of the body, such as the heart, brain, etc, can be damaged.
What does ABC stand for in nursing?
ABC is an acronym in nursing that stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Nurses use this sequence to assess and address life-threatening conditions.
Why are ABCs important in nursing?
It is a systematic approach to prioritize patient care. Nurses assess airway, breathing, and circulation to prevent serious health consequences and save the lives of patients.
What do nurses address after the ABCs in nursing?
After stabilizing ABCs, the next step is a head-to-toe assessment of the patient.
Conclusion
ABCs in nursing stand for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, which are the cornerstones of nursing care. The ABCs address the most basic psychological need of the patient. Nurses can quickly assess the airway, breathing, and circulation to save the life of the patient or prevent them from further harm. You have mastered your ABCs now; it’s time to find the best travel nursing job for you. If you have one to two years of experience, then join SkillGigs and become part of our travel nursing world. SkillGigs gives you high-paying contracts and bonuses. Download our app now and start travel nursing with SkillGigs.
