Which type of aphasia is characterized by a client who is alert but does not respond verbally?

The correct answer relates to a type of aphasia where the individual shows an inability to produce speech despite being alert and aware of their surroundings. This condition typically emerges from damage to specific areas of the brain responsible for expressive language, such as Broca's area.

In expressive aphasia, also known as non-fluent aphasia, a person understands spoken language and the context but struggles to form words and construct sentences. They are typically aware of their communication difficulties, which can lead to frustration, as they wish to express themselves but are unable to do so verbally.

The other types of aphasia do not align with the described characteristics. Receptive aphasia, for example, involves difficulty in understanding language, often leaving individuals unable to grasp both spoken and written words. Global aphasia represents a more severe form, where considerable impairment in both expressing and understanding language occurs. Wernicke's aphasia, while affecting the comprehension of language, allows the individual to produce speech, albeit often nonsensically or without meaningful content.

Thus, the individual's awareness combined with the inability to verbally respond clearly identifies it as expressive aphasia.