Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale?

1. To determine a patient's vital signs

2. To assess a patient's level of consciousness

3. To evaluate pain levels in patients

4. To measure respiratory rates

The correct answer is: To assess a patient's level of consciousness

The Glasgow Coma Scale is specifically designed to assess a patient's level of consciousness following a head injury or other conditions that may affect neurological functioning. It provides a systematic method for evaluating the patient's responsiveness through three key areas: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each of these areas is scored, and the total score helps healthcare providers determine the severity of the patient's condition, guiding further assessment and management. This scale is crucial in emergency and clinical settings as it helps healthcare professionals to quickly gauge the neurological status and potential impairment of a patient, allowing for timely intervention if necessary. In contrast, determining vital signs focuses on parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, which are not the primary function of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Evaluating pain levels would involve different tools such as subjective pain scales, while measuring respiratory rates relates to the assessment of the patient’s breathing and overall respiratory health, rather than their level of consciousness.