DCAP-BTLS is used in which assessment?

• A. Respiratory evaluation
• B. Cardiac assessment
• C. Trauma assessment
• D. Neurological exam

Answer: (C)

DCAP-BTLS is a mnemonic used during trauma assessment to systematically inspect the body for injuries to the skin and soft tissues. It stands for Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and Swelling. This quick checklist helps the clinician identify injuries that may not be obvious from history or vital signs alone, guiding immediate management and further evaluation during the trauma survey. It is applied during the physical examination of a trauma patient, typically in a head-to-toe check to ensure no injury is overlooked. The other types of exams—respiratory, cardiac, or neurological—focus on function and physiology rather than surface injuries, which is why DCAP-BTLS specifically fits the trauma-surface-injury assessment.