FCCS FCCS Neurological Assessment

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Eye opening, verbal response, motor response

Answer

The GCS evaluates eye opening (1–4), verbal response (1–5), and motor response (1–6) for a maximum score of 15.

Question 2

A GCS score of 8 or less indicates what clinical concern?

Accepted Answer

Inability to protect the airway — consider intubation

Answer

GCS ≤ 8 is associated with inability to maintain airway patency and loss of protective reflexes, typically necessitating intubation.

Question 3

Which finding on neurological exam suggests herniation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral dilated, fixed pupil with ipsilateral hemiparesis

Answer

Uncal herniation compresses CN III, causing ipsilateral pupil dilation and ptosis, and compresses the contralateral cerebral peduncle causing ipsilateral hemiparesis (Kernohan's notch).

Question 4

What is the target PaCO2 range in a patient with suspected elevated intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Accepted Answer

35–45 mmHg

Answer

Normal PaCO2 (35–45 mmHg) is maintained to avoid hypercapnia (vasodilation worsening ICP) without prophylactic hyperventilation which risks ischemia.

Question 5

Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations) signals which emergency?

Accepted Answer

Impending brainstem herniation

Answer

Cushing's triad is a late sign of rising ICP with impending brainstem herniation requiring immediate intervention.

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS FCCS Neurological Assessment