Which three response domains are assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

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

Answer: (A)

The Glasgow Coma Scale measures level of consciousness by looking at how a person responds in three areas: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each area is scored separately to reflect different aspects of brain function. Eye opening is scored from 1 to 4, with 4 meaning eyes open spontaneously. Verbal response is scored from 1 to 5, with higher scores for more coherent and oriented speech. Motor response is scored from 1 to 6, with higher scores for purposeful movements or the ability to follow commands. The total score ranges from 3 to 15, where a higher total indicates better neurological function. Other cues like sensory response, pupil reaction, heart rate, or respiratory rate aren’t part of the GCS scoring, so they don’t contribute to the scale.