Which term describes unconsciousness due to brain dysfunction?

• A. Coma
• B. Stupor
• C. Delirium
• D. Somnolence

Answer: (A)

Unconsciousness due to brain dysfunction is best described by coma, which is a state of prolonged unresponsiveness in which a person cannot be awakened and does not respond purposefully to stimuli. This reflects a failure of the brain’s wakefulness and awareness mechanisms. Stupor involves severe reduction in responsiveness but the person can still be aroused with strong or painful stimuli, so it isn’t complete unresponsiveness. Delirium is an acute change in mental status with fluctuating attention and cognition, where the person is not truly unconscious but is confused and disoriented. Somnolence means sleepiness or drowsiness where the person can be awakened and will respond, so it does not meet the criterion of unconsciousness.