Which observation best indicates Wernicke's aphasia?

• A. Fluent speech with poor comprehension
• B. Non-fluent speech with good repetition
• C. Repetition impairment with fluent speech
• D. Severe motor paralysis

Answer: (B)

Wernicke's aphasia is defined by fluent, effortless speech combined with markedly poor language comprehension. The person often speaks in long, flowing sentences with normal grammar, but the content lacks meaning and they may use nonsensical words or paraphasias. Repetition is usually impaired because understanding spoken language itself is compromised.

The observation that best indicates this type of aphasia is fluent speech paired with poor comprehension, because the hallmark deficit here is the inability to understand language despite normal-sounding speech output. Non-fluent speech with preserved repetition points to Broca's aphasia, and severe motor paralysis signals a motor problem rather than a language disorder. Repetition impairment with fluent speech can occur in Wernicke's, but it is the severe comprehension deficit that most clearly characterizes it.