CEP Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Management 3

Question 1

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A brief episode of neurological dysfunction without permanent infarction, typically resolving within minutes to hours

Answer

A TIA is a temporary episode of neurological dysfunction due to focal ischemia with no evidence of permanent infarction on imaging, often resolving within minutes.

Question 2

The mnemonic AEIOU-TIPS is used in prehospital assessment to evaluate:

Accepted Answer

Altered mental status causes

Answer

AEIOU-TIPS (Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Opiates, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psychiatric, Stroke/Shock) is a systematic aid for differentiating causes of altered mental status.

Question 3

Classic prehospital findings associated with bacterial meningitis include:

Accepted Answer

Fever, severe headache, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia

Answer

Bacterial meningitis classically presents with fever, severe headache, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia; a petechial rash may indicate meningococcal disease.

Question 4

In a patient with a spinal cord injury at the C4 level, the paramedic should anticipate:

Accepted Answer

Potential loss of diaphragmatic function requiring ventilatory support

Answer

The phrenic nerve (C3–C5) innervates the diaphragm; injury at or above C4 can impair or eliminate diaphragmatic breathing, necessitating assisted ventilation.

Question 5

After administering 25g of D50 to a patient with a glucose of 30 mg/dL, the glucose rises to 80 mg/dL but the patient remains unresponsive. Your next priority is:

Accepted Answer

Reassess ABCs and consider other causes of altered mental status using AEIOU-TIPS

Answer

Once hypoglycemia is corrected and the patient remains altered, a systematic reassessment for other causes (AEIOU-TIPS) with ongoing ABCs monitoring is required.

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

CEP Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Management 3