NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

In which mental state is an animal lethargic and cannot be aroused even with pain?

1. Obtunded

2. Stuporous

3. Comatose

4. Dementia

The correct answer is: Comatose

The correct choice is comatose, as this term accurately describes a state where an animal is unresponsive and cannot be aroused, even with painful stimuli. In this state, the animal is essentially in a deep and prolonged unconsciousness, indicating a significant impairment of the brain's ability to respond to external stimuli, including pain. In contrast, the other terms describe different mental states. Obtunded refers to a condition where the animal is somewhat aware of its surroundings but has reduced alertness and responsiveness, which is not as severe as a comatose state. Stuporous describes a state where the animal may respond to vigorous stimuli but is otherwise unresponsive or only minimally reactive, thus still having some level of arousal. Dementia, while it involves cognitive decline and confusion, does not imply a complete lack of responsiveness to stimuli, as seen in the comatose state.