Assessing the neurological status of patients with head injuries.
The aim of this article is to inform staff who are new to emergency care settings how to use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) when managing patients with head injuries. It may also be useful as a refresher for experienced staff and a helpful teaching tool. It emphasises the need for continual, standardised assessment of neurological status and emphasises how the GCS is seen as best practice nationally and internationally.
Caton-Richards
Michelle
M
Emergency Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford.
D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D009737:Nursing Records; D012025:Reflex, Pupillary; D014705:Verbal Behavior