A critically injured patient can be aroused only by vigorous and continuous external stimuli. The patient's level of consciousness is considered

a. lethargic.
b. obtunded.
c. stuporous.
d. comatose.


C
Stuporous means the patient can be aroused only by vigorous and continuous external stimuli. Motor response is often withdrawal or localizing to stimulus. Obtunded means the patient displays dull indifference to external stimuli, and response is minimally maintained. Questions are answered with a minimal response. Lethargic means the patient displays a state of drowsiness or inaction in which the patient needs an increased stimulus to be awakened. Comatose means vigorous stimulation fails to produce any voluntary neural response in the patient.

Nursing

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