Conciousness

list of levels of consciousness

• normal/alert

• asleep

• lethargy

• obtunded/somnolent

• stupor

• vegetative state

• coma

normal/alert consciousness

aware of self and external environment, well oriented, responsive

oriented x3 (or 4) meaning

patient is alert and knows

1. person - who they are

2. place - where they are

3. time - ex: what month or year it is

4. situation - newer, know what their issue is

lethargy

a little drowsy, can react to normal stimuli

• conscious

obtunded/somnolent

extreme drowsiness, but will respond normally to stimuli

• conscious

stupor

can be aroused by extreme and/or repeated stimuli (ex: eternal rub)

• responds only to pain, brief, non-purposeful

vegetative state

cannot be aroused

• does have postures/withdraws to noxious (bad) stimuli

• occasional non-purposeful movement

• random smiling/grimacing

coma

totally unconscious, cannot be aroused

confused

reduced awareness, easily distracted, easily startled by sensory stimuli, alternates between drowsiness and excitability

• 2 levels: delirium & dementia

delirium

acute/temporary confusion

dementia

chronic, permanent confusion

• progressive

two standardized tools your text flags for loc?

GCS and FOUR score.