North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which motor response indicates that a patient obeys commands according to the GCS scale?

Withdraws Pain
Localizes Pain
Obeys Commands
Abnormal Flexion

The correct answer is: Obeys Commands

The motor response indicating that a patient obeys commands, according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), is characterized as "obeys commands." This response is essential in assessing a patient's level of consciousness and neurological function. When a patient is able to follow verbal instructions successfully, it demonstrates a higher level of cognitive processing and awareness of their surroundings. In contrast, other motor responses such as withdrawing from pain or localizing pain indicate varying levels of responsiveness but do not reflect the same degree of cognitive function. Withdrawing from pain suggests a reflexive reaction rather than a conscious response, while localizing pain shows a level of awareness about the source of discomfort but still lacks the complexity of following specific commands. Abnormal flexion, which indicates a non-purposeful movement in response to stimuli, further signifies a diminished level of consciousness. Therefore, "obeys commands" represents the most favorable neurological assessment within the GCS framework, highlighting a patient's ability to engage with their environment and respond as directed.