Which score corresponds to a patient who withdraws to pain in the adult motor GCS?

In the context of the adult motor component of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a score of 4 indicates that the patient exhibits purposeful movement in response to pain. Patients who withdraw to pain will typically move their limbs away from the painful stimulus, demonstrating both awareness and a degree of protective behavior. This response is distinct from other potential responses assessed by GCS, such as flexion or extension posturing, which indicate varying levels of neurological impairment.

The score of 4 falls within the range that assesses motor response to stimuli, allowing medical responders to gauge the level of consciousness and potential neurological function in the patient. A lower score would indicate a less appropriate response to pain, while a higher score would represent more purposeful movement or higher levels of consciousness. Thus, the score of 4 accurately reflects a patient who is assessed to be withdrawing to pain.