Which stage of responsiveness describes a patient that responds only to pain?

The stage of responsiveness that describes a patient who responds only to pain is identified as pain responsive. In this stage, the patient does not exhibit an alert state or respond to verbal commands but will react to painful stimuli, indicating some level of neurological function. This responsiveness can include movements such as withdrawal from the source of pain, which suggests that their nervous system is still capable of processing distress signals.

In contrast, the alert stage involves a patient who is fully awake and aware, responding appropriately to questions and commands. The voice responsive category includes those who may not be fully alert but can respond to verbal stimuli, such as calls or commands. Lastly, the unresponsive stage refers to a complete lack of response to any stimuli, including pain, indicating a more severe level of impairment. Understanding these stages helps in assessing a patient's condition and determining the necessary interventions.