Practice Test Geeks(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test
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BCEN Neurological Emergencies Flashcards

6 cards from real BCEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 BCEN Neurological Emergencies flashcards as text

  1. A patient presents with sudden onset of the 'worst headache of their life.' What condition should be suspected first?

    Answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage

    Sudden severe 'thunderclap' headache is a classic hallmark of subarachnoid hemorrhage until proven otherwise.

  2. Which scale is most commonly used in the ED to assess level of consciousness and neurological status?

    Answer: Glasgow Coma Scale

    The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses to provide a standardized neurological assessment in emergency settings.

  3. A patient with ischemic stroke arrives within 2 hours of symptom onset. What is the first-line pharmacological intervention if eligible?

    Answer: IV alteplase (tPA)

    IV alteplase (tPA) is the standard fibrinolytic therapy for eligible ischemic stroke patients within the 3–4.5 hour window.

  4. Which finding on CT scan is most consistent with an epidural hematoma?

    Answer: Biconvex (lens-shaped) hyperdensity

    An epidural hematoma classically appears as a biconvex (lens-shaped) hyperdensity on CT due to arterial bleeding between the skull and dura.

  5. A patient seizing for more than 5 minutes is considered to have status epilepticus. What is the first-line IV treatment?

    Answer: Lorazepam

    Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are first-line treatment for status epilepticus due to rapid onset and CNS inhibitory action.

  6. Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations) indicates which life-threatening condition?

    Answer: Increased intracranial pressure

    Cushing's triad is a late sign of severely elevated intracranial pressure and impending brainstem herniation.

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