Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

Which term relates to being sleepy and lethargic, ready to fall asleep?

1. Difficulty swallowing

2. Sleepy and lethargic; ready to fall asleep

3. Approaching death

4. A very small drop of a liquid

The correct answer is: Sleepy and lethargic; ready to fall asleep

The term that describes being sleepy and lethargic, and ready to fall asleep, directly refers to a state of drowsiness or fatigue. This term encapsulates the feelings of exhaustion and the overwhelming desire to sleep, often observed in individuals who may not have had enough rest or are experiencing physical or mental fatigue. Recognizing this state is essential in the healthcare setting, especially for nursing assistants who must assess patients' levels of consciousness and alertness, which can be critical for patient safety and well-being. The other choices present distinct concepts that do not align with the description of drowsiness. Difficulty swallowing pertains to an impairment in the swallowing process, approaching death indicates a critical end-of-life condition, and a very small drop of liquid refers to a specific measurement without any connection to the experience of sleepiness or lethargy.