After assessing a client's airway and breathing status using the ABCDE approach, what should a nurse assess next?

In the ABCDE approach to patient assessment, after addressing Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, the next logical step is to monitor vital signs to evaluate the client's hemodynamic status. Blood pressure is a critical indicator of circulation and cardiovascular health, providing insights into the effectiveness of blood flow and the heart's pumping ability. It can reveal potential complications such as shock or inadequate perfusion.

Assessing blood pressure directly following the assessment of air and breathing ensures that any immediate life-threatening conditions are addressed, and that appropriate interventions can be initiated promptly. While monitoring pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and capillary refill time are also important aspects of assessing a client’s status, blood pressure serves as a key determinant of circulatory stability and overall patient condition in the sequence of assessments following airway and breathing.