A nurse assesses a client with a brain tumor. The client opens his eyes when the nurse calls his name, mumbles in response to questions, and follows simple commands. How should the nurse document this client's assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale shown below?

Rationale: A. This is inaccurate, check rationale for choice B for step-by-step calculation. B. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) evaluates three components: Eye Opening (E), Verbal Response (V), and Motor Response (M). Each component is scored individually and then summed to give a total score ranging from 3 to 15. Step 1: Eye Opening (E) The client opens eyes when called → 3 points 4 = spontaneously 3 = to speech 2 = to pain 1 = no response Step 2: Verbal Response (V) The client mumbles in response → 2–3 points, depending on interpretation: 5 = oriented and converses 4 = confused conversation 3 = inappropriate words 2 = incomprehensible sounds (mumbles) 1 = no verbal response For this case, “mumbles” is generally scored as 3 (inappropriate words) → V = 3 Step 3: Motor Response (M) The client follows simple commands → 6 points 6 = obeys commands 5 = localizes pain 4 = withdraws from pain 3 = abnormal flexion (decorticate) 2 = abnormal extension (decerebrate) 1 = no response Step 4: Calculate total GCS E + V + M = 3 + 3 + 6 = 12 C. This is inaccurate, check rationale for choice B for step-by-step calculation D. This is inaccurate, check rationale for choice B for step-by-step calculation