glasgow coma scale

allnurses Guide · Jun 9, 2009

Hi there, the glasgow coma score is used to assess levels of conciousness not spasms (unless she had a reduced LOC). Was the GCS used on this lady and at what point in her care, was it used as an emergency assessment and then to record improvment or deterioration?

If she had a fit then maybe her LOC was decreased post fit which is why the score was used?

It may help if you can give us a few more details about your assignment guidelines

Take a look at Wikipedia's description of the Glasgow Coma score, that may help.

GCS

student_nurse1986 · Jun 9, 2009

no they didnt actually say they done GCS on her but im trying to think of care they woukd have given her. we just have to appraise the care she recievd.

allnurses Guide · Jun 9, 2009

I've replied to your PM, but so others may also benefit will post here.

Think about the reason for admission, then what you would have written on her care plan. What problems would you have identified, how was she managing her activities of daily living, was she able to self care for hygine needs, toileting, nutrition.

If you can begin to identify some of her nursing problems then you will have an idea of what problem to focus on, you can then take it from there.

Get back to me with ideas

scared'o'needles! · Jun 9, 2009

Hi, as sharrie said her ADL's need to be assessed. A few of the tools we use quite a lot are Waterlow score, Must score, Mobility assessment, Bartels and Falls Risk and Pain Assessments to name a few. Most of these tools have protocols that go along with them which can guide you as to the correct way to plan your care. There may be continence issues with this patient due to spasms so you may need to look at the bowel regimes that can be put in place to address this.

Billy Shears · Jun 10, 2009

You probably also need to be looking at pharmacology and neurology and get some evidence together.

Whatever you write about the episode make sure you have good quality up to date evidence to argue for and against whatever care was delivered. Then evaluate. Be critical.

Your questions will be answered by your research. If you are asking whether or not the Glasgow Coma Scale is used for patients who present with neurological problems then that is something that you need to get evidence on and say why it was or was not done, and what you have found is good practice through your research.

Jeez I'm glad I don't have to do these essays anymore! :)

All the best with it.

ayla2004, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2009

never heard of bartels risk assesment what is it

scared'o'needles! · Jun 16, 2009

ayla2004

Bartels is a dependency score, the risk assessment was related to the falls score. After looking at what I wrote I can see why you thought it was a risk assessment.

ayla2004, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2009

ayla2004
Bartels is a dependency score, the risk assessment was related to the falls score. After looking at what I wrote I can see why you thought it was a risk assessment.

whileit nice to know other ways of doing things my brain is also saying at least tht one piece of paperwork not yet needed.

Billy Shears · Jun 17, 2009

whileit nice to know other ways of doing things my brain is also saying at least tht one piece of paperwork not yet needed.

As an Activities Of Living assessment it is pertinent as there is allegedly a problem with their medication. This could be due to them not taking it appropriately (too often/omitting/wrong time etc).

Probably be a good idea for the OP to refer to this tool in the body of their essay?

misswoosie · Jun 27, 2009

ayla2004
Bartels is a dependency score, the risk assessment was related to the falls score. After looking at what I wrote I can see why you thought it was a risk assessment.

Sorry-do you mean the Barthel Score which is a disability tool?

misswoosie · Jun 27, 2009

You would probably want to talk about continence assessment/care too