The nurse is caring for a patient with an injury to the frontal lobe of the brain. Which sign or symptom would the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Difficulty understanding speech: This deficit, known as Wernicke's aphasia, typically results from lesions in the temporal lobe of the dominant hemisphere. It involves an inability to process auditory language despite intact hearing. The frontal lobe manages motor speech production via Broca's area rather than language comprehension. B. Impaired ability to sense touch, vibration, positioning: These sensory modalities are primarily processed in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe. Damage to this somatosensory cortex disrupts the perception of tactile and proprioceptive stimuli. The frontal lobe is primarily dedicated to motor execution and higher-order executive functions. C. New onset vision changes: The primary visual cortex and visual association areas are located within the occipital lobe at the posterior of the brain. Injuries to this region result in visual field deficits or cortical blindness. Frontal lobe pathology does not typically present with primary sensory visual disturbances. D. Frequent emotional outbursts: The prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe regulates personality, social behavior, and impulse control. Damage to this region often leads to disinhibition, emotional lability, and significant alterations in temperament. It is the anatomical center for executive decision-making and emotional regulation.