NREMT Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Care 2

Question 1

A patient presents with sudden onset of facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Using the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, which finding is NOT one of the three assessed?

Accepted Answer

Pupillary response

Answer

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale assesses facial droop, arm drift, and speech. Pupillary response is not part of this specific tool.

Question 2

A patient with a suspected stroke has a blood glucose reading of 45 mg/dL. The EMT's priority should be:

Accepted Answer

Perform the Cincinnati Stroke Scale and contact medical direction about glucose treatment

Answer

Hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms. The EMT should reassess using the CPSS after treating hypoglycemia, and contact medical direction since glucose administration protocols vary and stroke workup should continue.

Question 3

What is the significance of establishing the 'last known well' time for a potential stroke patient?

Accepted Answer

It establishes the window for thrombolytic (tPA) therapy eligibility

Answer

The 'last known well' time determines whether a patient is within the therapeutic window for tPA (typically 3-4.5 hours from onset), making it one of the most critical pieces of prehospital information.

Question 4

A patient has a seizure that lasts 3 minutes and then stops. Upon your arrival, the patient is confused and difficult to arouse. This postictal state typically:

Accepted Answer

Is a normal period of altered consciousness following a seizure that usually resolves over minutes to hours

Answer

The postictal state is a normal period of neurological depression following a seizure, characterized by confusion, drowsiness, and altered consciousness that gradually improves.

Question 5

Which of the following is the priority intervention for a patient actively seizing?

Accepted Answer

Protect the patient from injury and maintain airway patency

Answer

The priority for a seizing patient is protecting them from injury and managing the airway. Hard restraints can cause fractures and should not be used on seizing patients.

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Care 2