Question

When attempting to perform grooming activities, a patient with a TBI becomes agitated, throws the shampoo across the room, and shouts, 'This is ridiculous. I am not doing this anymore.' Which statement best describes the patient's behavior?"

A) The patient is demonstrating typical behavior for a TBI.
B) The patient is reacting appropriately to the situation.
C) The patient's behavior suggests a need for more aggressive grooming.
D) The patient is showing signs of improvement in cognitive function.

Answer 1

The patient showing agitation during grooming activities is displaying typical behavior for someone with a traumatic brain injury. This behavior reflects the cognitive and emotional challenges often seen in TBI patients, such as personality changes and difficulties with task execution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's behavior of becoming agitated during grooming activities after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not uncommon. The provided descriptions indicate that this patient might be experiencing some of the cognitive and emotional challenges that are characteristic of TBI, such as difficulty with planning and executing tasks, as well as potential personality changes, which could manifest as aggression or agitation in response to everyday activities.

The best description of the patient's behavior in the question presented would be A) The patient is demonstrating typical behavior for a TBI. Individuals with TBI can often exhibit a range of symptoms including profound confusion, changes in personality, and difficulty with cognitive functions, such as memory and task execution. Proper management of such behaviors typically involves supportive care, counseling, and sometimes medication, rather than more aggressive grooming approaches. It is important to approach patients with TBI with empathy and understanding, providing accommodations and support as they navigate these challenges.