What is one of the criteria for a patient to be assessed and referred?

A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15 indicates that the patient is fully awake, alert, and functioning normally. This is an important criterion for assessing and referring patients, as it signifies a level of consciousness that is stable and does not require immediate advanced medical intervention. In emergency and clinical settings, a GCS score of 15 reflects a minimum threshold for many treatment protocols and helps healthcare professionals quickly determine the necessary course of action for both assessment and referral.

In contrast, other conditions listed could either indicate non-emergency situations or specific circumstances that do not always necessitate referral for further medical assessment. For instance, a patient being accompanied by a friend may not be relevant to the severity or urgency of the medical condition being addressed. Similarly, age alone is not definitive in assessing the need for a detailed evaluation or referral. Lastly, showing signs of severe trauma typically would necessitate immediate action rather than referral, pushing the need for on-site assessment and potentially direct transport to a facility. Thus, a GCS of 15 is a clear indicator of the patient’s cognitive status, serving as a reliable benchmark in the decision-making process for referral.