EMS Neurological Emergencies 2

Question 1

A patient is found confused with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL. What is the most likely cause of the altered mental status?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Ischemic stroke

Answer

Absence seizure

Answer

Hypertensive encephalopathy

Question 2

Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure or series of seizures without recovery lasting longer than:

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

10 minutes

Answer

15 minutes

Answer

30 minutes

Question 3

Cushing's triad is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure. Which combination of findings defines it?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations

Answer

Hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea

Answer

Hypotension, bradycardia, and tachypnea

Answer

Hypertension, tachycardia, and shallow respirations

Question 4

A patient presents with aphasia, right-sided facial droop, and right arm weakness. Which area of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Left cerebral hemisphere

Answer

Right cerebral hemisphere

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Brainstem only

Question 5

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) evaluates which three components?

Accepted Answer

Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response

Answer

Pupils, motor response, and verbal response

Answer

Consciousness level, pupil reaction, and deep tendon reflexes

Answer

Heart rate, respiratory effort, and eye opening

Question 6

Which medication is commonly given intramuscularly by EMTs for a hypoglycemic patient who is unconscious and has no IV access?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon

Answer

50% dextrose solution

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Epinephrine

Question 7

Decorticate posturing (abnormal flexion) in a neurological patient indicates a lesion most likely located:

Accepted Answer

Above the brainstem, involving the cerebral hemispheres or internal capsule

Answer

In the spinal cord below C5

Answer

In the peripheral nervous system

Answer

In the cerebellum only