What does the Glasgow Coma Scale assess?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is specifically designed to assess a patient's level of consciousness and neurological function. It evaluates three key aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. By scoring each of these areas, healthcare professionals can determine the severity of a patient's brain injury and monitor changes in their consciousness over time.

The use of the GCS is particularly relevant in emergency medicine and critical care, as it helps in making rapid assessments related to traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and other conditions affecting a patient's mental state. A higher score indicates a higher level of consciousness and responsiveness, while a lower score suggests more severe impairment.

Other choices do not align with the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale, as it does not measure heart rate, blood pressure, or fracture severity. Instead, its focus is solely on the patient's neurological status, making the correct answer clear.