A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 indicates the client is

• A. Awake but disoriented
• B. Confused
• C. Drowsy but responsive
• D. Awake and alert with no neurological deficits

Answer: (D)

A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 reflects full consciousness and normal brain function. The score sums three domains: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. To reach 15, eyes must open spontaneously (the highest score), the verbal response must be oriented and appropriate, and the person must be able to follow commands. When all three components are at their maximum, the total is 15, meaning the patient is awake and alert with no neurological deficits. If any domain were less than maximal—such as not opening eyes spontaneously, being unoriented or confused in speech, or not obeying commands—the total would drop below 15. Therefore, the best description is someone who is awake and alert with no neurological deficits.