The Glasgow Coma Scale and other neurological observations

Nurs Stand. 2005;19(33):55-64; quiz 66-7. doi: 10.7748/ns2005.04.19.33.56.c3857.

Abstract

The primary tool used by nurses to assess a patient's neurological status is the neurological observation chart incorporating the Glasgow Coma Scale. This article explains the correct use of the chart and how to interpret the findings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arousal
  • Benchmarking
  • Blood Pressure
  • Consciousness
  • Glasgow Coma Scale*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Pressure
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / nursing
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / standards
  • Neurologic Examination* / methods
  • Neurologic Examination* / nursing
  • Neurologic Examination* / standards
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Nursing Assessment / standards
  • Nursing Records
  • Orientation
  • Physical Stimulation / methods
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Reflex, Pupillary
  • Reticular Formation / anatomy & histology
  • Reticular Formation / physiology
  • Verbal Behavior