AVPU
AVPU
AVPU (pronounced as A-V-P-U) is an acronym used in the field of medicine to measure a patient's level of responsiveness. It stands for Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive, which are the four possible outcomes that a patient can exhibit when assessed.
Etymology
The term AVPU is an acronym derived from the first letters of the four states of consciousness that it represents: Alert, Verbal, Painful, and Unresponsive. It is widely used in emergency medicine and other medical fields to quickly assess a patient's level of consciousness.
Pronunciation
The term AVPU is pronounced as four separate letters: A-V-P-U.
Related Terms
- Glasgow Coma Scale: A neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person, for initial as well as subsequent assessment.
- Consciousness: The state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings.
- Coma: A state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged or indefinite period, caused especially by severe injury or illness.
- Stupor: A state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility.
- Obtundation: A state of reduced alertness, slower responses to stimuli, and drowsiness.
AVPU Scale
The AVPU scale is a system used by healthcare professionals to measure a patient's level of consciousness. It is a simplification of the Glasgow Coma Scale, which assesses a patient's best eye, verbal, and motor responses.
- Alert: The patient is fully awake, not drowsy, and is aware of their surroundings.
- Verbal: The patient responds to verbal stimuli, but is not fully alert.
- Painful: The patient responds to painful stimuli, but does not respond to verbal stimuli.
- Unresponsive: The patient does not respond to any stimuli, including painful stimuli.
The AVPU scale is a quick and easy method to assess a patient's level of consciousness, and it is particularly useful in emergency situations where a rapid assessment is required.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on AVPU
- Wikipedia's article - AVPU
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