National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which condition describes a partial or complete loss of consciousness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure?

1. Syncope

2. Stupor

3. Coma

4. Delirium

The correct answer is: Syncope

The condition that describes a partial or complete loss of consciousness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure is syncope. This medical term refers to a temporary loss of consciousness and muscle strength, often triggered by a drop in blood flow to the brain, which can be caused by various factors including dehydration, standing up too quickly, or emotional stress. Syncope is characterized by a sudden onset and brief duration, typically leading to a quick recovery once the person is lying down, allowing blood flow to return to the brain. Other options such as stupor, coma, and delirium depict altered states of consciousness but do so in different contexts. Stupor involves a state of near-unresponsiveness that is typically prolonged, while a coma presents as a prolonged unconscious state without response to external stimuli. Delirium is characterized by a fluctuating level of consciousness and disorientation, often seen in acute medical settings, particularly in elderly patients.