When using the Glasgow Coma Scale for a client with a traumatic brain injury, what should the practical nurse primarily assess?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is primarily used to assess a patient's level of consciousness, especially in cases of traumatic brain injury. This scale evaluates three key components: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each of these components contributes to an overall score that helps determine the severity of the brain injury and the level of consciousness of the patient.

The focus on assessing the level of consciousness is crucial because changes in consciousness can indicate worsening conditions or brain function. Clinicians need to monitor any fluctuations in responsiveness over time, as they can be vital in making treatment decisions. A lower GCS score on this scale typically reflects a more severe injury and increases the urgency of medical intervention.

While pupil reactions and motor function are important factors to consider in the overall assessment of a patient’s neurological status, they are not the primary focus of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Instead, they provide additional information that can be evaluated alongside the GCS. Therefore, assessing the level of consciousness using the GCS is essential in managing a patient with a traumatic brain injury effectively.