Glasgow Coma Scale

Question 1

What is consciousness?

Answer 1

It reflects the level fo arousal and the presence of cognitive behaviour

Question 2

What factors affect consciousness?

Answer 2

Trauma
Elevated ICP
Fever
Hypothermia
Seizure
Hypotension / severe hypertension
Hypoxia
Hypercapnia
Sepsis
Metabolic
Medications e.g. sedatives

Question 3

Describe the eye opening scoring system in the GCS?

Answer 3

4 points - spontaneous eye opening
3 points - eye opening to verbal command
2 points - eye opening to pain
1 point - no eye opening

Question 4

when can eye opening not be assessed in the GCS?

Answer 4

When eyes are swollen

Question 5

Describe the verbal response scoring system in the GCS?

Answer 5

5 points - oriented
4 points - confused
3 points - inappropriate
2 points - incomprehensible sound
1 point - no response

Question 6

Describe the motor response scoring system in the GCS?

Answer 6

6 points - obeys commands
5. points - localise to pain
4 points - normal flexion
3 points - abnormal flexion
2 points - extension
1 point - no response

Question 7

How can the GCS (particularly the verbal component) be adapted to the assessment of a child?

Answer 7

5 points - smiles, coos, cries appropriately
4 points - cries, consolable crying, screams
3 points - irritable, inconsolable
2 points - grunts, agitate
1 point - no response

Question 8

What GCS score reflects a minor head injury?

Answer 8

14-15

Question 9

What GCS score reflects a moderate head injury?

Answer 9

9-13

Question 10

What GCS score reflects a severe head injury?

Answer 10

8 or less