Which of the following lists the components of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) correctly?

• A. verbal response, eye opening, and motor response
• B. mental status, eye opening, and respiratory rate
• C. sensory response, pupil reaction, and heart rate
• D. eye opening, verbal response, and motor response

Answer: (D)

The GCS assesses level of consciousness using three response domains: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. These components are traditionally listed in the order Eye opening, Verbal response, Motor response. That standard sequence is why the option that lists eye opening first, followed by verbal response, then motor response is the best choice. While another option may include the same three domains, starting with a different domain doesn’t match the conventional naming order used in clinical practice and exams. Remember, the total GCS score combines the scores from eye opening, verbal response, and motor response (ranging from 3 to 15), but the important point here is recognizing the three components and the typical order in which they’re named.