CEN Neurological Emergencies 3

Question 1

Cushing's triad, indicating severely elevated ICP, consists of which three findings?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations

Answer

Tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea

Answer

Hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia

Answer

Bradycardia, hypotension, bradypnea

Question 2

A patient taking phenytoin presents with a seizure. Phenytoin level is therapeutic. Which electrolyte abnormality is the most common correctable cause of breakthrough seizures?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Question 3

A patient presents with altered mental status, fever, autonomic instability, and clonus after starting a new SSRI. What condition should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Anticholinergic toxidrome

Question 4

Which imaging finding on non-contrast CT is most consistent with a hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Hyperdense lesion in the basal ganglia

Answer

Hypodense lesion in the MCA territory

Answer

Ring-enhancing lesion with surrounding edema

Answer

Diffuse sulcal effacement

Question 5

A patient presents with ascending muscle weakness that began in the lower extremities one week after a GI illness. Deep tendon reflexes are absent. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Answer

Myasthenia gravis

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Transverse myelitis

Question 6

What is the priority assessment in a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome admitted to the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Serial pulmonary function testing (NIF and FVC)

Answer

Muscle strength grading

Answer

Lumbar puncture results

Answer

Nerve conduction studies