What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used for?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is specifically designed to assess a patient's level of consciousness and neurological functioning. It provides a reliable and objective way to measure the impact of brain injuries, strokes, or other neurological conditions. The scale evaluates three key areas: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, assigning a score based on the patient's abilities in each area. This information is crucial in determining the severity of a patient's condition and guiding treatment decisions.

In contrast, measuring blood oxygen levels is typically done using pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis, which are not the focus of the GCS. Evaluating pain levels involves different tools and scales that specifically address pain perception rather than consciousness. Determining the need for surgical intervention requires a broader assessment that includes various clinical evaluations, imaging studies, and patient history rather than the focused approach of the GCS. Thus, option B accurately captures the primary purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale.