DCAP-BTLS stands for which of the following?

• A. Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling
• B. Drowning, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling
• C. Discoloration, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling
• D. Distress, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling

Answer: (A)

DCAP-BTLS is a trauma assessment mnemonic used to systematically inspect the body for injuries during the exam. Each part flags a specific type of finding you should look for: deformities suggest possible fractures or dislocations; contusions are bruises from blunt trauma; abrasions are superficial skin scrapes; penetrations indicate entry or exit wounds from objects or projectiles; burns cover thermal, chemical, or electrical injuries; tenderness points to underlying tissue or organ injury; lacerations are deep cuts; swelling indicates tissue injury or inflammation. Using this mnemonic helps you perform a thorough, head-to-toe assessment quickly and consistently, which guides immediate care and documentation during the trauma survey. The other options mix in terms that aren’t part of the standard DCAP-BTLS, such as drowning, discoloration, or distress, so they don’t reflect the accepted injury-check list. Hence, the correct expansion is Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.