In the AVPU scale, which level corresponds to a response to painful stimuli?

In the AVPU scale, which level corresponds to a response to painful stimuli?

• A. Verbal
• B. Unresponsive
• C. Painful
• D. Alert

Answer: (C)

AVPU is a quick way to gauge consciousness. If the person is fully awake and aware of their surroundings, that’s Alert. If they respond to spoken questions or commands but aren’t fully oriented, that’s Verbal. If there’s a response only when a painful stimulus is applied, that’s Pain. If there’s no response to any stimuli, that’s Unresponsive. The level matching a response to painful stimuli is Pain, because it shows the patient isn’t waking to voice or commands but does respond when something painful is applied. In practice, you’d test with a noxious stimulus (like a sternum rub) and look for purposeful movement or withdrawal to indicate Pain. Without such a response, you’d categorize as Unresponsive.

AVPU is a quick way to gauge consciousness. If the person is fully awake and aware of their surroundings, that’s Alert. If they respond to spoken questions or commands but aren’t fully oriented, that’s Verbal. If there’s a response only when a painful stimulus is applied, that’s Pain. If there’s no response to any stimuli, that’s Unresponsive. The level matching a response to painful stimuli is Pain, because it shows the patient isn’t waking to voice or commands but does respond when something painful is applied. In practice, you’d test with a noxious stimulus (like a sternum rub) and look for purposeful movement or withdrawal to indicate Pain. Without such a response, you’d categorize as Unresponsive.