Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

A Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 9 signifies a severe head injury or a significant alteration in the level of consciousness. This score reflects a critical state in which the patient is either unconscious or has a markedly decreased responsiveness to stimuli. The scale evaluates three aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with lower scores indicating reduced brain function or severe neurological compromise.

A score below 9 is often associated with the need for immediate medical intervention and is typically a predictor of potential long-term disability or mortality. It suggests that the patient may not be able to protect their airway or respond appropriately to environmental stimuli, making them vulnerable to further complications such as respiratory failure or shock. Recognizing this severity is crucial in trauma care, as it guides responders in prioritizing interventions and decision-making for transport to advanced medical facilities.