Disability (Neurological Status)

Question 1

What is the standardized method for evaluating level of consciousness?

Answer 1

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Question 2

What is the range of scores for GCS?

Answer 2

3-15

Question 3

What does a GCS score of 3 indicate?

Answer 3

deep unconsciousness

Question 4

What does a GCS score of 15 indicate?

Answer 4

indicates a patient who is alert, converses normally, and is able to obey commands

Question 5

What is a limitation of GCS?

Answer 5

An initiated or aphasic patient is unable to respond to the verbal component of the GCS

Question 6

When should a GCS be assessed?

Answer 6

on arrival and repeated according to policy

Question 7

What does a trend analysis of a GCS indicate?

Answer 7

detects deteriorating or improving neurological condition

Question 8

What interventions can you do for disability?

Answer 8

• evaluate need for computed tomography (CT)
• consider ABGs
• bedside glucose, alcohol, and toxicology

Question 9

What does a CT show?

Answer 9

CNS injury which can contribute to LOC

Question 10

How do ABGs contribute to LOC?

Answer 10

may indicate decreased cerebral perfusion, hypoventilation or acid-base imbalance

Question 11

How does glucose, alcohol, or drugs contribute to LOC?

Answer 11

hypoglycemia and presence of alcohol/drugs may contribute to to LOC but need to excluded as primary cause