What is the Glasgow Coma Scale score range for a child who is fully alert and responsive?

• A. 8-10
• B. 11-12
• C. 13-15
• D. 16-18

Answer: (C)

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness and neurologic functioning by evaluating three aspects: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. The total score ranges from 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) to 15 (indicating full alertness and responsiveness).

A score in the range of 13-15 indicates that the child is fully alert and responsive. Specifically, a score of 13 represents mild impairment, while scores of 14 and 15 indicate full alertness with appropriate responses. Children scoring in this range demonstrate normal eye opening and verbal interactions, along with purposeful motor responses to stimuli.

The higher scores in options that suggest ranges above 15, like 16-18, do not correctly relate to the standard GCS scoring, as the maximum score achievable is 15. Lower score ranges such as 8-10 indicate a reduced level of responsiveness and could signify moderate to severe impairment, which is clearly not the case for a fully alert child. Thus, the range of 13-15 accurately reflects a child who is fully aware and responsive to their environment.