Clinical Scores
Clinical scoring calculators for common risk/assessment tools — with clear inputs, worked examples, and FAQs (for calculation checking and documentation).
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Assess level of consciousness in acute medical and trauma patients
Wells Score (DVT)
Predict probability of deep vein thrombosis
CURB-65 Score
Assess pneumonia severity and guide treatment decisions
How Clinical Scores Work
Clinical scores combine multiple measurements into a single number to support consistent assessment and documentation. By using structured inputs, scores help clinicians organize complex information and communicate clearly.
Scores depend on accurate inputs (vitals, age, labs, history), and different tools apply to different contexts. MedMaths supports calculation checking, not clinical decisions. Always follow local protocols and use clinical judgment.
Common Clinical Scores Explained
NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score 2)
NEWS2 uses observations to create a score that supports recognition of deterioration. Accurate observation entry is the whole game.
Example question:
A patient has RR 24, SpO₂ 94% on room air, SBP 95, HR 115, Temp 38.2, Alert. How do the inputs contribute to the NEWS2 total?
• Respiratory rate
• Oxygen saturation + oxygen use
• Systolic BP
• Heart rate
• Temperature
• Level of consciousness
Enter each observation into the calculator (RR, SpO₂, oxygen, SBP, HR, temp, consciousness)
Calculator assigns points per input category
Total score = sum of category points
Result: NEWS2 is the sum of points across all observation categories.
💡 Tip: Garbage in = garbage out: double-check obs before calculating.
CHA₂DS₂-VASc
CHA₂DS₂-VASc is a point-based tool using age and clinical history items. It's calculated by adding points for each risk factor present.
Example question:
A person is 76 years old, has hypertension and diabetes, and no prior stroke/TIA. How is the score built up from the inputs?
• Congestive heart failure
• Hypertension
• Age ≥75 (2 points)
• Diabetes
• Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism (2 points)
• Vascular disease
• Age 65–74
• Sex category
Add age points (≥75 adds 2)
Add hypertension point (+1) and diabetes point (+1)
Total = sum of included factors
Result: Total score is the sum of points for each present risk factor.
💡 Tip: Use the checklist—don't rely on memory.
qSOFA
qSOFA uses three simple bedside criteria. It's a quick input checklist, not a complex equation.
Example question:
A patient has RR 24, systolic BP 95, and is confused. How do these inputs produce a qSOFA score?
• RR ≥ 22
• SBP ≤ 100
• Altered mentation
RR criterion met → +1
SBP criterion met → +1
Confusion criterion met → +1
Result: qSOFA = 3 (sum of the 3 criteria).
💡 Tip: Three criteria = three quick checks.
When These Calculators Are Used
- •Standardising scoring for documentation and handover
- •Teaching/studying how inputs build score totals
- •Quickly checking totals when multiple criteria exist
- •Reducing arithmetic mistakes when summing point-based tools
- •Supporting consistent reassessment (same tool, same inputs)
Clinical Safety Note
Scores depend on accurate inputs and context. Always follow local protocols and clinical judgement for interpretation and escalation. These calculators support calculation checking and documentation. Examples on this page are for calculation practice only.
Related Calculator Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical reminder: Always follow local protocols and consult medication information sheets. These examples are for calculation practice only.
Always follow local protocols for score interpretation.