Choose the word whose meaning is closest to the underlined word. Lethargy creeps in if the holiday continues over an extended period.

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

The question asks for the word closest in meaning to 'Lethargy'.
Lethargy refers to a state of tiredness, weariness, and lack of energy or enthusiasm.
Indolence means avoidance of activity or exertion, or laziness.
Both words describe a state of low energy and motivation, making 'Indolence' the best synonym among the choices.

Option A: Concern means worry or anxiety. It describes an emotional state, not a state of physical or mental energy.
Option B: Vigor means physical strength, good health, and high energy. It is an antonym (opposite) of lethargy.
Option D: Energy refers to the strength and vitality required for activity. It is also an antonym (opposite) of lethargy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary and Synonyms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing a patient's level of consciousness (LOC) is a fundamental nursing skill. A change in LOC, such as increasing lethargy, is often the earliest sign of a deteriorating neurological condition, like a brain bleed or increased intracranial pressure.
Nurses use a standardized scale, often starting with terms like Alert, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose (ALOSC), to communicate a patient's status clearly and consistently.
What if? If a post-operative patient who was previously alert becomes lethargic, the nurse's priority action is to perform a rapid neurological assessment (e.g., checking pupils, motor response) and immediately notify the surgeon or rapid response team, as this could indicate a serious complication like cerebral hypoxia or hemorrhage.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the meaning of the underlined word, 'Lethargy'. Think of its definition: a state of tiredness, lack of energy, or drowsiness.
Next, analyze each option to determine its meaning.
Option A, 'Concern', means worry. This is not related to energy levels.
Option B, 'Vigor', means strength and energy. This is the opposite of lethargy.
Option C, 'Indolence', means laziness or avoidance of exertion. This is very similar to lethargy.
Option D, 'Energy', is the capacity for activity. This is also the opposite of lethargy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 207-209

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2242-2244

Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.