Which risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI) should a nurse include in a discussion about prevention for a group of adolescents?

Choice A Reason:
While falls are a common cause of injury in children, they are not the leading cause of TBI in adolescents. Falls tend to be more frequent in the younger population, particularly in children under the age of 4. In adolescents, sports-related injuries and motor vehicle accidents are more prevalent causes of TBI.

Choice B Reason:
The statement that females have twice the risk of TBI compared to males is incorrect. National data reveal that males are at increased risk of TBI compared to females, especially in the adolescent age group. This is likely due to higher engagement in risk-taking behaviors and contact sports.

Choice C Reason:
Concussions in sports and motor vehicle accidents are indeed the leading causes of TBI in adolescents. Engaging in contact sports such as football, hockey, and soccer can lead to concussions, which are a form of mild TBI. Motor vehicle accidents are also a significant risk factor due to high-impact collisions that can cause head injuries.

Choice D Reason:
Firearm incidents are a serious concern for TBI; however, they are not the most common cause of TBI in adolescents. While firearm-related injuries can be severe and are a leading cause of TBI-related deaths, concussions from sports and motor vehicle accidents account for a larger number of non-fatal TBIs in this age group.

Choice a reason:
Educational Prevention is not a recognized level of prevention in healthcare. While education is a key component in all levels of prevention, it is not a standalone category. Education is typically included in primary prevention as it involves informing the public about health practices to prevent the onset of disease.

Choice b reason:
Tertiary Prevention is the level of prevention that aims to manage and treat an existing disease to prevent further complications or deterioration. In the case of immobile stroke patients, tertiary prevention would involve measures to prevent skin breakdown and other complications associated with immobility and the stroke's long-term effects.

Choice c reason:
Secondary Prevention involves early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. For stroke patients, secondary prevention might include monitoring for signs of skin breakdown so that early treatment can be initiated. However, the scenario described focuses on managing an existing condition rather than early detection.

Choice d reason:
Primary Prevention aims to prevent the disease or injury before it occurs. This would involve strategies to prevent strokes in the first place, such as controlling high blood pressure or encouraging healthy lifestyle changes. It does not directly relate to the prevention of skin breakdown in patients who have already had a stroke.