What is a common method for assessing a patient's level of consciousness?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a widely recognized and standardized tool used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness. It evaluates three key aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Each component is scored, which allows healthcare providers to quantify the patient's level of consciousness and monitor changes over time. The results of the GCS help determine the severity of brain injury and guide further medical intervention.

In contrast, blood pressure measurements, patient interviews, and heart rate monitoring are important components of overall health assessments but do not specifically provide a measure of consciousness. Blood pressure and heart rate can indicate physiological responses but do not directly assess neurological status. Patient interviews can provide subjective information about a patient's awareness but lack the objectivity and specificity offered by the GCS.