What it means
In a neuro assessment, a lethargic client is drowsy and falls asleep easily but wakes to a normal voice and can answer, though slowly. It is a step below alert on the level of consciousnessLEV-ul uv KON-shus-nisHow awake, alert and aware of their surroundings a person is.Full entry scale. In everyday speech it means feeling tired and sluggish. Causes include infection, low blood sugar, dehydration, drugs, electrolyte problems and brain injury.
For the nurse
New lethargy is a change in level of consciousness: check vital signs, oxygen saturation and blood glucose and report it. In infants, lethargy and poor feeding can be early signs of serious illness.
At a glance
| Spanish | letargo |
|---|---|
| Also written | lethargic |
Related terms
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
mental status
A person's state of mind at a given time: how alert they are, what they know and how they think, speak and behave.
level of consciousness
How awake, alert and aware of their surroundings a person is.
coma
A deep state of unconsciousness in which a person cannot be woken and does not respond with purpose.