CEA Nursing Practice Exam

How would you describe a 29-year-old male patient who appears drowsy but answers questions appropriately?

1. Comatose

2. Stuporous

3. Lethargic

4. Alert but disoriented

The correct answer is: Lethargic

In this scenario, describing the patient as lethargic is appropriate since he shows a level of drowsiness while still being able to engage appropriately with questions. Lethargy refers to a state of sluggishness, where the individual may appear drowsy, exhibit reduced energy, and may require stimuli to fully awaken or engage. However, their responsiveness indicates they are not completely disengaged, which fits the description of the patient's behavior. The other descriptors do not accurately reflect this patient’s presentation. For instance, being comatose implies a lack of responsiveness to external stimuli and would indicate that the patient is unresponsive overall, which does not match the ability to answer questions. Stuporous individuals typically require vigorous stimuli to elicit a response, suggesting a deeper level of altered consciousness than is indicated here. Finally, being alert but disoriented suggests that the patient is fully awake and aware yet confused about their surroundings or situation, which is not the case if the patient is drowsy. Thus, categorizing the patient as lethargic provides the most accurate representation of his condition.