What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used to assess?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Level of consciousness
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Heart rate

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is understanding what the Glasgow Coma Scale measures. The GCS is a quick tool to assess a patient’s level of consciousness by evaluating three areas: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each area has a score, and the total runs from 3 (deeply unconscious) to 15 (fully awake). In EMS and emergency care, it helps quantify and track a patient’s neurological status after head injury or altered mental status, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring for improvement or deterioration. It does not assess blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate, which are vital signs rather than measures of consciousness.