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

The CPSS evaluates facial droop, arm drift, and speech abnormality to rapidly identify stroke in the prehospital setting.

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

IV tPA (alteplase) is approved within 3 hours of symptom onset, with select guidelines extending to 4.5 hours for eligible patients.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Eye 1, Verbal 1, Motor 1

Answer

A GCS of 3 is the minimum possible score, representing no eye opening (1), no verbal response (1), and no motor response (1).

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, or midazolam)

Answer

Benzodiazepines are first-line for status epilepticus due to rapid onset and GABA-mediated seizure termination.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations

Answer

Cushing's triad is hypertension with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, signaling imminent brain herniation.

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test