Question

An individual with a TBI is able to pick up a toothbrush and apply toothpaste independently, but takes 15 minutes to brush his teeth. This behavior most likely indicates difficulty in which of the following areas?

A. Motor planning
B. Sensory perception
C. Time management
D. Executive functioning

Answer 1

The behavior of taking 15 minutes to brush teeth for an individual with TBI most likely indicates difficulty in executive functioning, which is associated with the prefrontal cortex's role in planning and time management.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an individual with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is able to physically manage tasks such as picking up a toothbrush and applying toothpaste but takes an extended amount of time to complete the brushing, this indicates a problem in executive functioning. Executive functioning involves the prefrontal cortex and is key to planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and managing time effectively. Individuals with a compromised prefrontal cortex may show signs such as repetitive motor behaviors, difficulty with planning and executing tasks, and poor judgment, which can all contribute to an extended time taken to complete daily tasks like tooth brushing.