Neurological Emergencies Flashcards

What is the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) primarily used to assess?

Answer: Signs and symptoms of stroke

The CPSS is a rapid prehospital tool that evaluates facial droop, arm drift, and abnormal speech to identify potential stroke patients.

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale?

Answer: Pupil dilation

The CPSS assesses three findings: facial droop, arm drift, and abnormal speech; pupil dilation is not part of this scale.

A patient reports a sudden, severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life.' What condition should the EMT most suspect?

Answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage

A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache described as the worst ever is a classic presentation of subarachnoid hemorrhage and requires immediate transport.

What is the correct term for a temporary neurological deficit that fully resolves within 24 hours?

Answer: Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A TIA produces stroke-like symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours (usually within 1 hour) and is a major warning sign for an impending stroke.

Which of the following is a common postictal sign following a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer: Confusion and drowsiness

The postictal phase after a seizure typically involves confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, and disorientation as the brain recovers from abnormal electrical activity.

A patient with signs of acute ischemic stroke should ideally be transported to:

Answer: A certified stroke center capable of administering thrombolytics

Time-sensitive thrombolytic therapy (tPA) requires a certified stroke center; bypassing closer hospitals to reach such a center improves patient outcomes.

The AVPU scale is used in EMS to quickly evaluate which parameter?

Answer: Level of consciousness

AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive) is a rapid tool for assessing a patient's level of consciousness during the primary survey.