Certified Brain Injury Specialist Practice Exam

Which of the following should not be a practical strategy to manage an individual emerging from coma?

1. Providing sensory stimulation

2. Implementing physical therapy

3. Implementing a consequence-based behavior program

4. Encouraging family involvement

The correct answer is: Implementing a consequence-based behavior program

When managing an individual emerging from a coma, the focus should be on supportive and therapeutic approaches that help to stimulate recovery and engagement. Implementing a consequence-based behavior program is not appropriate in this context because individuals who are emerging from a coma are typically still at an early stage of cognitive and behavioral development. Their abilities to respond to consequences are severely limited, as their capacity for communication and comprehension may still be very low. Practical strategies to support recovery during this phase include providing sensory stimulation, which involves using sights, sounds, touches, or smells to help stimulate brain function. This can encourage neural activity and promote awareness. Physical therapy is also crucial, as it assists in improving physical movement and may help in regaining motor skills. Additionally, family involvement is vital to provide emotional support and familiarity, which can facilitate emotional and cognitive recovery. Together, these strategies promote an environment conducive to healing, while a consequence-based program is generally more suitable for individuals with more developed cognitive abilities who can understand and respond to behavioral interventions.