Miranda was in a terrible automobile accident and suffered extensive head injuries. Currently she has no cortical activity in her brain, but her brainstem activity continues. Her heartbeat and respirations occur on their own, but she demonstrates no consciousness or awareness of her surroundings. Miranda would best be described as experiencing
A) whole-brain death.
B) a persistent vegetative state.
C) clinical death.
D) natural death.

Question

Miranda was in a terrible automobile accident and suffered extensive head injuries. Currently she has no cortical activity in her brain, but her brainstem activity continues. Her heartbeat and respirations occur on their own, but she demonstrates no consciousness or awareness of her surroundings. Miranda would best be described as experiencing​
A) ​whole-brain death.
B) a persistent vegetative state.​
C) clinical death.​
D) natural death.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Miranda is in a persistent vegetative state, which is characterized by the absence of cortical activity in the brain but continued brainstem activity, resulting in reflexive behavior such as breathing and heartbeat, but no conscious awareness or responsiveness to the environment.

Miranda Was in a Terrible Automobile Accident and Suffered Extensive