Final answer:
An analgesic is the drug that relieves pain without loss of consciousness, whereas anesthetics may cause loss of consciousness as they block sensation or awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug that will relieve pain without loss of consciousness is an analgesic. Analgesics are specifically designed to reduce pain without affecting the consciousness of an individual. They work by blocking the sensation of pain. Some analgesics like aspirin and ibuprofen also have anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, anesthetics are used to induce a temporary loss of sensation or awareness, which may include loss of consciousness, especially in the case of general anesthetics. Therefore, for a patient who needs to relieve pain but remain conscious, analgesics are the appropriate choice.