Individuals in permanent comas or persistent vegetative states:
A) are considered dead, both clinically and according to the whole-brain standard of death.
B) are considered dead by the clinical, but not the whole-brain, standard of death.
C) will not regain consciousness, but do not meet the whole-brain standard of death.
D) will regain consciousness, but do not meet the whole-brain standard of death.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Individuals in permanent comas or persistent vegetative states do not regain consciousness, but they do not meet the criteria for death according to the whole-brain standard. This standard requires the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem. While these individuals have lost higher brain functions, some brainstem activities may still be present, meaning they are not considered dead by this definition.

Individuals in Permanent Comas or Persistent Vegetative States