FCCS FCCS Neurological Assessment 2

Question 1

Status epilepticus is defined as continuous seizure activity lasting longer than how many minutes?

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

Status epilepticus is defined as seizure activity lasting ≥ 5 minutes or two or more seizures without return to baseline consciousness, requiring urgent treatment.

Question 2

What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines (lorazepam or diazepam)

Answer

IV benzodiazepines (lorazepam or diazepam) are first-line for status epilepticus due to their rapid onset GABA-A agonist activity that terminates seizure activity.

Question 3

Which pupillary finding is associated with opioid toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Pinpoint pupils (miosis)

Answer

Opioids stimulate the Edinger-Westphal nucleus via mu receptors, causing parasympathetic pupil constriction (miosis/pinpoint pupils).

Question 4

The FOUR Score assesses which neurological domains?

Accepted Answer

Eyes, motor, brainstem reflexes, respiration

Answer

The FOUR Score (Full Outline of UnResponsiveness) evaluates eye responses, motor responses, brainstem reflexes, and respiratory pattern, providing more detail than GCS.

Question 5

Decorticate posturing indicates injury at which level of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Above the midbrain (hemispheric/internal capsule)

Answer

Decorticate posturing (arm flexion, leg extension) reflects disruption of corticospinal tracts above the midbrain, releasing primitive brainstem reflexes.

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS FCCS Neurological Assessment 2