Stupor is best defined as which?

• A. State requiring vigorous stimulation to elicit response
• B. Drowsy state with brief responsiveness followed by return to sleep
• C. Complete unresponsiveness to external stimuli
• D. Reduced alertness with slow responses and confusion

Answer: (A)

Stupor is a state of markedly depressed consciousness where the person is scarcely arousable and requires vigorous, often repetitive stimulation to elicit any response, and even then the responses are limited and brief. This description fits the option that says you have to apply strong stimulation to get a response. In contrast, a drowsy state with brief responsiveness followed by sleep reflects lethargy or sleepiness, not true stupor. Complete unresponsiveness to external stimuli describes coma, which is deeper than stupor. Reduced alertness with slow responses and confusion points to obtundation or delirium, not stupor.