AVPU

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

AVPU is a method used by healthcare professionals to measure and record a patient's level of consciousness. It is an acronym that stands for Alert, Voice, Pain, and Unresponsive, which are the four possible responses to this scale.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The AVPU scale is a simple and effective tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness in emergency situations. It is often used in pre-hospital care and for the initial assessment of any patient.

Scale[edit | edit source]

The AVPU scale consists of four levels:

  • Alert: The patient is fully awake, not drowsy, and is aware of their surroundings. They can answer questions and follow commands.
  • Voice: The patient responds to verbal stimuli, such as a loud voice or shouting their name. They may not be fully alert, but they are able to respond in some way.
  • Pain: The patient responds to painful stimuli. This could be a pinch, a sternal rub, or another form of discomfort.
  • Unresponsive: The patient does not respond to any stimuli, including painful ones. This is the most severe level on the AVPU scale.

Usage[edit | edit source]

The AVPU scale is used in a variety of medical settings, including emergency medicine, intensive care units, and general practice. It is a quick and easy way to determine a patient's level of consciousness, which can be crucial in emergency situations.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - AVPU

PubMed
Clinical trials
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AI tools[edit source]

Generative AI tools and links to learn more on AVPU: ChatGPT - Bing Chat - Google Gemini. (caution advised).


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