1. Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) Used to assess/classify lev-
el of consciousness
particu- larly in acute
stages of in- jury or
comatose patients.
The scale ranges from 3-15.
Score 13-15=mild injury.
Score 9-12=moderate
injury. Score less than
8=severe brain injury. If
patient is unresponsive to
au- ditory cues, tactile
stimulation is applied.
Begin with gentle touch- ing
or gentle shaking, if no re-
sponse, more pressure or
pinch- ing to the upper
chest or upper back is
applied. Responses in-
clude body or limb
withdrawal, or pushing the
examiner away.
5. Level of Consciousness (LOC) Major indicator of
neurological
change. Consciousness
refers to both alertness and
cogni- tive function. The
Glascow coma score is
most commonly used to
numerically rank LOC, but
quali- tative descriptions
are also help- ful. Confused
patients are dis- oriented
and may have mem- ory
deficits. Lethargic patients
demonstrate some
confusion and slowed
responsiveness. Pa- tients
in obtundation require
stimulation. Stupor is lack
of spontaneous movement,
or ver- balization, and
minimal respon- siveness.
Coma is divided into 3
levels based on response to
4/
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