CEP Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Management

Question 1

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) assesses which three components?

Accepted Answer

Facial droop, arm drift, and speech abnormality

Answer

Pupils, grip strength, and verbal response

Answer

Eye opening, arm weakness, and gait disturbance

Answer

Blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory effort

Question 2

What is the generally accepted time window from symptom onset for IV tPA administration in acute ischemic stroke?

Accepted Answer

Within 3–4.5 hours

Answer

Within 1 hour

Answer

Within 6 hours

Answer

Within 12 hours

Question 3

A patient with a GCS of 3 has which combination of component scores?

Accepted Answer

Eye 1, Verbal 1, Motor 1

Answer

Eye 1, Verbal 2, Motor 1

Answer

Eye 2, Verbal 1, Motor 1

Answer

Eye 1, Verbal 1, Motor 2

Question 4

First-line pharmacological treatment for status epilepticus in the prehospital setting is:

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, or midazolam)

Answer

Phenytoin IV

Answer

Phenobarbital IM

Answer

Ketamine IV

Question 5

Cushing's triad, indicating severely elevated intracranial pressure, includes:

Accepted Answer

Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations

Answer

Hypotension, tachycardia, and rapid respirations

Answer

Hypertension, tachycardia, and shallow respirations

Answer

Hypotension, bradycardia, and apnea

Question 6

A patient presents with sudden unilateral weakness and slurred speech. Blood glucose is 45 mg/dL. Your first intervention should be:

Accepted Answer

Administer dextrose or glucagon to correct hypoglycemia

Answer

Activate stroke protocol and transport immediately

Answer

Perform a 12-lead ECG to rule out cardiac arrhythmia

Answer

Obtain IV access and infuse normal saline wide open

Question 7

Which finding is most characteristic of uncal herniation syndrome in a head-injured patient?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil with contralateral hemiplegia

Answer

Bilateral pinpoint pupils with hypotension

Answer

Bilateral dilated pupils with intact motor function

Answer

Horner syndrome with bilateral upper extremity weakness