The AVPU and ACDU are simple bedside scales for the level of consciousness (LOC).
Clinical Status
AVPU
alert
A
responds to verbal stimulus
V
responds to painful stimulus
P
unresponsive
U
This corresponds to eye opening in the Glasgow Coma Score.
Clinical Status
ACDU
alert
A
confused
C
drowsy
D
unresponsive
U
While the A and U categories for the 2 scales tend to match up, the middle grades may be interpreted differently. This would apply most to the drowsy category for ACDU. A 5-point scale (ACVPU) might be more explicit.
The AVPU can be compared with the Glasgow coma score (GCS).
AVPU
GCS Nakahara et al
GCS Kelly et al
A
14-15
15
V
11-13
12 to 14
P
5-10
7 to 9
U
3-4
3
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