Question

A nurse is told during change-of shift report that a client is stuporous. When assessing the client, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

1) the client arouses briefly in response to a sternal rub
2) The client has a Glasgow coma scale score less than 5
3) The client exhibits decorticate rigidity.
4) The client is alert but disoriented to time and place

Answer 1

A stuporous client generally arouses briefly in response to strong stimuli, like a sternal rub. The other options such as very low Glasgow Coma Scale scores, decorticate rigidity, or being alert but disoriented are not indicative of stupor.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is told during a change-of-shift report that a client is stuporous, the nurse should expect that the client will only arouse briefly in response to strong stimuli, such as a sternal rub. This indicates that the client is not completely unresponsive but does not exhibit normal alertness or cognitive function. The other options provided, such as the client having a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 5, exhibiting decorticate rigidity, or being alert but disoriented to time and place are not typical findings of a stuporous state.