Glasgow Coma Scale Flashcards

1
Q

What is ACVPU ?

A

A very simple way to gain a rapid assessment of conscious level.

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2
Q

ACVPU

A

Alert - 15
Level of confusion - 14 (10-14)
Responding to voice - 13 (12-14)
Responding to pain - 8 (7-9)
Unresponsive : 3-6

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3
Q

Why should the Glasgow coma scale be used rather than ACVPU when handing over the care of a person ?

A

ACVPU gives no objective method of recording and comparing responses over time or handing over to other medical personnel.

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4
Q

What are the 3 different components of the Glasgow coma scale ?

A

Eye opening
Verbal
Motor

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5
Q

What is the max number of points for eye opening ?

A

4

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6
Q

What is the max number of points for verbal response ?

A

5

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7
Q

What is the max number of points for motor response ?

A

6

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8
Q

What does a point of 1 mean on the GCS ?

A

NO response

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9
Q

E1

A

Not opening eyes

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10
Q

E2

A

Open to pressure

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11
Q

E3

A

Open to sound

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12
Q

E4

A

Open spontaneously

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13
Q

V1

A

No verbal response

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14
Q

V2

A

Incomprehensible sounds - moaning/ groaning

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15
Q

V3

A

Inappropriate words

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16
Q

V4

A

Confused speech / disoriented

17
Q

V5

A

Normal speech / oriented

18
Q

M1

A

No motor response

19
Q

M2

A

Extending to pain

20
Q

M3

A

Abnormal flexion to pain (difficult to asses, so often not used)

21
Q

M4

A

Normal flexion to pain - withdrawal

22
Q

M5

A

Localising to pain

23
Q

M6

A

Obeying commands

24
Q

Name the 3 methods for eyes and verbal response

A

Passive observation
Active observation
Active pressure stimulus

25
Passive observation
Stand and watch the person for a short time If eyes are open : E4 as there is no stimulus
26
Active observation
Talking to the person (you may need to illicit a response)
27
Active pressure stimulus
Last step of assessment and is only necessary if the person has not responded to your voice. Apply pressure to the finger over the nail tip.
28
What is the max GCS score ?
15
29
What is the min GCS score ?
3
30
GCS 14-15 : relating to head injury
Mild brain injury
31
GCS 9-13 : relating to head injury
Moderate brain injury
32
GCS 3-8 : relating to head injury
Severe brain injury Said to be in a coma if GCS score <8
33
What actions should be taken for a person with a GCS score of < 8 ?
Steps must be taken to protect and secure the airway
34
What should you do to apply pressure ?
Trapezius pinch Squeeze nail bed supraorbital notch