What is the mnemonic for assessing a patient's mental status?

The correct answer, C, refers to the mnemonic AVPU, which is used to assess a patient's mental status in a quick and systematic manner. AVPU stands for:

• A: Alert - The patient is fully awake and responsive.

• V: Verbal - The patient responds to verbal stimuli but may not be fully alert.

• P: Pain - The patient responds only to painful stimuli.

• U: Unresponsive - The patient does not respond to any stimuli.

This tool is essential in emergency medical situations as it allows healthcare providers to quickly gauge the level of consciousness and cognitive function of a patient. Determining a patient's level of alertness is a critical first step in evaluating their overall condition, particularly in cases of head injury, stroke, or other neurological emergencies.

In contrast, the other choices serve different purposes in patient assessment. For instance, the mnemonic ABCDE is often associated with primary patient assessment focused on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure, while CAB focuses more specifically on circulation, airway, and breathing — both of which are vital in trauma scenarios. The mnemonic FAST is specifically utilized in assessing stroke symptoms (Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call emergency services) and is not