Which assessment tool is used to monitor cognitive and neurological status after CABG?

• A. Mini-Mental State Examination
• B. APACHE II score
• C. Glasgow Coma Scale
• D. Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale

Answer: (C)

Monitoring neurological status after CABG relies on the Glasgow Coma Scale because it provides a quick, standardized snapshot of consciousness and neurological function at the bedside. By evaluating eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, clinicians can detect early changes that may signal complications such as stroke, embolism, or postoperative delirium, and then decide if further workup or imaging is needed. This speed and consistency make it ideal for the acute postoperative period where rapid trend tracking is essential.

Other tools serve different purposes. The Mini-Mental State Examination is a longer cognitive screen used to assess baseline or chronic cognitive function rather than ongoing ICU monitoring. APACHE II scores gauge overall illness severity rather than specific neurological status. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale focuses on the current level of sedation or agitation, which is important but doesn’t directly measure neurological integrity over time.