Question

the young pediatric patient is more prone to head injury because:

a. the skull is still cartilaginous and remains weak in structure
b. the brain is smaller and floats within the larger skull
c. the head is proportionately heavier and the neck muscles are weaker
d. the chest muscles are weak and cannot support the head

Explanation:

Young pediatric patients have proportionally heavier heads compared to their body size. Also, their neck muscles are weaker. This combination makes it difficult for them to control head movement effectively. When there is a force (like in a fall or accident), the relatively heavy head and weak neck muscles make them more prone to head injury. Option a is incorrect as the skull in young children is not "still cartilaginous" in a way that is the main reason for head - injury proneness. Option b is wrong because the brain size relative to the skull is not the key factor. Option d is incorrect as chest muscles are not relevant to head support in this context.

Answer:

C. The head is proportionately heavier and the neck muscles are weaker