Consider the Following Scenarios

question 68

Multiple Choice

Consider the following scenarios. Which person displays characteristic signs of a persistent vegetative state?

• A) Brian is in a persistent state of unconsciousness; he cannot be awakened and does not respond to painful stimuli.
• B) Sienna is learning to walk after her automobile accident; however, she still cannot communicate and suffers significant cognitive impairment.
• C) Anil is in a coma; his mother is hopeful because he occasionally opens his eyes and sometimes even smiles or cries, but Anil's doctors tell her that these actions are random.
• D) Muriel was in a deep coma; she now squeezes her mother's hand when she hears her voice, but she cannot yet open her eyes or speak.