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

A blood glucose below 60 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) is a common and reversible cause of altered mental status that must always be checked in neurological emergencies.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is classified as status epilepticus and requires immediate intervention due to the risk of permanent neurological damage.

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

Cushing's triad—hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular/agonal respirations—indicates dangerous brain herniation and imminent brainstem compromise.

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

The left cerebral hemisphere controls motor function and speech for the right side of the body; deficits on the right with aphasia indicate a left-sided lesion.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response

Answer

The GCS scores eye opening (1-4), verbal response (1-5), and motor response (1-6) for a maximum total of 15 points.

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

EMS Neurological Emergencies 2