Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Residents who are unconscious may still be able to do which of the following?

1. A. Speak

2. B. Gesture

3. C. Hear

4. D. See

The correct answer is: C. Hear

Residents who are unconscious may still have the ability to hear, as auditory processing can remain intact even when other functions are impaired. Research indicates that unconscious individuals may still process sounds and music, suggesting that they can respond to voices or familiar sounds at some level. The auditory system can operate even when higher neurological functions are not fully engaged, which is why it is often suggested that caregivers continue to speak to patients in a calm and soothing manner, as they may be able to hear and respond emotionally to the environment around them. The other options focus on physical actions or communications, such as speaking, gesturing, or seeing, which typically require a higher level of consciousness or cognitive function that unconscious individuals do not possess.