Question

You are performing a Glascow Coma Scale on a patient who opens her eyes in response to pain, is confused in her responses to questions, and has abnormal flexion. What is this patient's GCS score and corresponding state of dysfunction?

1) 6- severe dysfunction
2) 9- moderate dysfunction
3) 12-mild dysfunction
4) 3- severe dysfunction

Answer 1

The patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score is 9, which corresponds to moderate dysfunction. The score is derived from the sum of eye, verbal, and motor response assessments. A GCS score of 9 suggests significant impairment but is not indicative of the most severe level of brain injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score would be 9, indicating moderate dysfunction. This score is calculated by adding the points from three different assessments:

1. Eyes open in response to pain = 2 points.
2. Confused in responses to questions = 4 points.
3. Abnormal flexion to pain = 3 points.

Therefore, 2 (eye) + 4 (verbal) + 3 (motor) = 9. The GCS is used to assess a person’s level of consciousness after a head injury, and scores range from 3 to 15, with higher scores indicating better neurological function. A score of 9 corresponds to moderate dysfunction, meaning the patient has a significant level of impairment but is not in a state of deep coma or severe dysfunction.