How is coma defined clinically and what components are included in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

How is coma defined clinically and what components are included in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

• A. Coma is a reversible state; GCS includes Eye opening, Verbal response, and Motor response
• B. Coma is defined as absence of brainstem reflexes; GCS total 7-12
• C. Coma is a state of unresponsiveness with inability to awaken; GCS Eye opening (4-1), Verbal response (5-1), Motor response (6-1); total 3-15
• D. Coma is defined by pupil dilation; GCS total 3-10

Answer: (C)

Coma is a state of unresponsiveness with an inability to awaken. The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to quantify level of consciousness across three domains: Eye opening, Verbal response, and Motor response. Eye opening ranges from 4 (spontaneous) to 1 (no eye opening). Verbal response ranges from 5 (oriented) to 1 (no verbal response). Motor response ranges from 6 (obeys commands) to 1 (no motor response). Adding these domains gives a total score from 3 to 15, with lower scores indicating greater impairment. This option correctly states both the clinical definition of coma and the structure and scoring of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Other options misdefine coma or misstate the GCS components and possible total.

Coma is a state of unresponsiveness with an inability to awaken. The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to quantify level of consciousness across three domains: Eye opening, Verbal response, and Motor response. Eye opening ranges from 4 (spontaneous) to 1 (no eye opening). Verbal response ranges from 5 (oriented) to 1 (no verbal response). Motor response ranges from 6 (obeys commands) to 1 (no motor response). Adding these domains gives a total score from 3 to 15, with lower scores indicating greater impairment. This option correctly states both the clinical definition of coma and the structure and scoring of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Other options misdefine coma or misstate the GCS components and possible total.