What does DCAP-BTLS stand for?

• A. Deformities, contusions, abrasions, penetrating injuries, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling
• B. Deformities, contusions, abrasions, puncture wounds, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling
• C. Deformities, contusions, burns, puncture wounds, abrasions, tenderness, lacerations, swelling
• D. Discoloration, contusions, abrasions, penetrating injuries, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling

Answer: (A)

DCAP-BTLS is a quick trauma exam mnemonic used to systematically identify injuries during a patient assessment. Each item represents a category you actively look for on the body: Deformities point to possible fractures or dislocations; Contusions are bruises; Abrasions are scrapes; Penetrating injuries are wounds where the skin is breached by an object; Burns reflect tissue damage from heat, chemicals, or electricity; Tenderness is pain upon palpation; Lacerations are cuts; Swelling indicates tissue injury and inflammation. The best answer lists all eight exactly as the mnemonic stands: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrating injuries, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling. Other options introduce terms not part of the mnemonic (like discoloration) or substitute wording such as puncture wounds, which don’t align with the standard DCAP-BTLS set, so they don’t fit as well.