General
avpu
What does avpu mean?
A rapid four-level scale describing responsiveness: alert, responds to voice, responds to pain, or unresponsive.
"On the AVPU scale he only responds to pain."
Origin
Acronym of 'Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive.'
Frequently asked questions
What does AVPU stand for?
It stands for Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive — a rapid scale for a patient's level of consciousness.
How is the AVPU scale used?
It quickly grades responsiveness: alert, responds to voice, responds to pain, or fully unresponsive.
Where is AVPU taught?
It's commonly used in prehospital and emergency care as a fast alternative to the more detailed Glasgow Coma Scale.
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