CNS Patient Safety Protocols 5

Question 1

How long does status epilepticus need to last before it is treated as an emergency under current definitions?

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

ILAE defines convulsive status epilepticus at 5 minutes (t1), when benzodiazepine treatment should begin.

Question 2

What is the first-line medication for status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

IV lorazepam or IM midazolam

Answer

Benzodiazepines are first-line, with second-line agents such as fosphenytoin, levetiracetam, or valproate after that.

Question 3

A patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage is on nimodipine. Which safety check comes before each dose?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Nimodipine can cause hypotension, which may worsen cerebral perfusion, so BP is checked before each dose.

Question 4

Why must nimodipine never be given IV?

Accepted Answer

IV administration has caused cardiac arrest and severe hypotension

Answer

FDA warnings note fatal outcomes when nimodipine capsule contents were injected IV, so it must be given orally or enterally.

Question 5

Which practice best reduces fall risk in an impulsive stroke patient with left neglect?

Accepted Answer

Place essential items on the unaffected right side and use a bed alarm

Answer

Items within the attended visual field plus a bed or chair alarm reduce unassisted transfers and falls in patients with neglect.

CNS - Certified Neuro Specialist Practice Test