The DCAP-BTLS mnemonic is used to guide the assessment of which aspects of injury?

• A. Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and Swelling
• B. Distress, Chest pain, Abdominal tenderness, Pressure, Breathing difficulty, Trauma, Lacerations, Scars
• C. Drug allergies, Comorbidities, Anomalies, Prior injuries, Blood type, Lab values, Treatment
• D. Disease codes, Abnormal sounds, Bleeding, Lacerations, Tetanus status, Lesions, Swelling

Answer: (A)

DCAP-BTLS is a mnemonic used to guide the trauma assessment by systematically checking for injuries to skin and soft tissues and bones. Each part points to a category of findings you look for during a rapid head-to-toe exam: Deformities reveal possible fractures or dislocations; Contusions are bruises from blunt trauma; Abrasions show superficial skin damage; Penetrations indicate wounds that break the skin and may involve deeper structures; Burns cover thermal, chemical, or electrical injuries; Tenderness on palpation signals underlying injury; Lacerations are cuts or tearing of tissue; Swelling reflects tissue injury and possible bleeding under the skin. This focused checklist helps ensure you don’t miss injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, which is critical for stabilization and transport decisions. The option listing exactly these eight elements matches the mnemonic, while the other choices mix in signs or history elements not part of this trauma-sign checklist.