Final answer:
A healthcare provider should refer a patient for specialist evaluation when cognitive impairments affect school, when persistent headaches occur post-injury, and when sleep problems persist despite proper sleep hygiene. The correct answer is E. All the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
A healthcare provider should refer a patient for further evaluation by a specialist when:
- Problems with attention, memory and learning, response speed, and other cognitive impairments interfere with school.
- The patient experiences ongoing headaches 2 to 3 days after the injury.
- Sleep problems emerge or continue despite the patient engaging in appropriate sleep hygiene measures.
The correct answer to the question would be E. All the above. Brain injuries, including concussions, can impact cognitive functions and result in symptoms, such as attention deficits or memory problems, that significantly interfere with daily activities, including school performance. Persistent symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances post-injury should also prompt further evaluation to ensure appropriate management and treatment. Given the serious nature of brain injuries and the potential for lasting effects, such signs should not be ignored, and specialist assessment should be sought.