Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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A patient following a head injury becomes verbally abusive and combative. This behavior suggests an injury to which lobe of the brain?

  1. Occipital lobe

  2. Frontal lobe

  3. Temporal lobe

  4. Parietal lobe

The correct answer is: Frontal lobe

The behavior of becoming verbally abusive and combative after a head injury is indicative of dysfunction in the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions, including impulse control, judgment, emotional regulation, and social behavior. When this area is injured, it can lead to significant changes in personality and behavior, such as increased aggression, irritability, and impulsivity. Damage to the frontal lobe can disrupt normal social interactions and norms, explaining why a person may lash out or become combative. This contrasts with the functions of the other lobes; for instance, the occipital lobe primarily deals with visual processing and would not typically influence behavioral changes in this manner. The temporal lobe is involved in auditory processing and memory, while the parietal lobe is more related to sensory integration and spatial awareness. Thus, the symptoms presented strongly suggest an issue with the frontal lobe, emphasizing its role in behavior and personality.