NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is categorized under the motor response "withdraws" on the Glasgow Coma Scale?

1. A reaction to verbal stimuli

2. A reaction to pain where the patient pulls away

3. An absence of movement

4. Movement upon command

The correct answer is: A reaction to pain where the patient pulls away

On the Glasgow Coma Scale, the motor response "withdraws" specifically refers to a reflexive action where a patient pulls away from a painful stimulus. This response indicates a level of awareness and neurological function, as it demonstrates that the patient is capable of reacting to potentially harmful stimuli even if they are not fully responsive to verbal commands or other stimuli. This reaction shows a basic protective mechanism and an attempt to avoid further harm, which distinguishes it from other motor responses within the scale. For example, simply reacting to verbal stimuli or following commands does not fall under the category of withdrawal, and an absence of movement implies a more significant impairment in neurological function. Thus, the ability to withdraw from pain is an important indicator of a certain level of consciousness and functional brain activity.