Question

What is true about patients in a "vegetative state"?

1) They still have normal reflexes and sleep/wake cycles
2) They still have some normal reflexes
3) They can make meaningful movements/responses
4) They still have normal cycles of sleep and wake

Answer 1

Patients in a 'vegetative state' still have normal reflexes and sleep/wake cycles but do not have meaningful movements or responses. option1

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients in a 'vegetative state' still have normal reflexes and sleep/wake cycles. However, they do not have meaningful movements or responses. They can exhibit reflexive behaviors such as blinking, swallowing, or smiling in response to certain stimuli, but these actions do not indicate conscious awareness or understanding. So, the correct answer is option 1) They still have normal reflexes and sleep/wake cycles. The movements they make are not purposeful but rather reflexive. Therefore, it's important to differentiate between simple reflexes and truly responsive or intentional actions when assessing a patient's level of consciousness.

In conclusion, the most accurate descriptions about patients in a vegetative state are that they still have some normal reflexes and they still have cycles of sleep and wake, but they lack the capacity for meaningful movements/responses.