Questions and Answers
The spinal cord exits the cranium through the:
foramen magnum.
The left cerebral hemisphere controls:
right side of the body.
Which of the following patients would MOST likely demonstrate typical signs of infection, such as a fever?
Interruption of cerebral blood flow may result from all of the following, EXCEPT:
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Which of the following MOST accurately describes a simple partial seizure?
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Your patient opens his eyes, moans, and pulls away from you when you pinch his trapezius muscle. You should assign a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of:
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Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to mimic the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
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A patient whose speech is slurred and difficult to understand is experiencing:
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The three major parts of the brain are the:
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A patient with an altered mental status is:
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Which of the following conditions is NOT a common cause of seizures?
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Which of the following is a metabolic cause of a seizure?
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The MOST significant risk factor for a hemorrhagic stroke is:
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The anterior aspect of the cerebrum controls:
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A 40-year-old patient without a history of seizures experiences a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure. The LEAST likely cause of this seizure is:
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The most basic functions of the body, such as breathing, blood pressure, and swallowing, are controlled by the:
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You are caring for a 68-year-old man with sudden onset of left-sided paralysis and slurred speech. His airway is patent, his respirations are 14 breaths/min with adequate depth, and his oxygen saturation is 98%. Treatment for this patient should include:
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You are dispatched to a residence for a 66-year-old male who, according to family members, has suffered a massive stroke. Your primary assessment reveals that the patient is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. You should:
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You are assessing the arm drift component of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale on a 60-year-old woman. When she holds both of her arms out in front of her and closes her eyes, both of her arms immediately fall to her sides. You should:
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Which of the following MOST accurately describes the cause of an ischemic stroke?
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You arrive at a grocery store shortly after a 35-year-old male stopped seizing. Your assessment reveals that he is confused and incontinent of urine. The patient's girlfriend tells you that he has a history of seizures and takes topiramate (Topamax). When obtaining further medical history from the girlfriend, it is MOST important to:
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An absence seizure is also referred to as a:
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Status epilepticus is characterized by:
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Febrile seizures:
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During the primary assessment of a semiconscious 70-year-old female, you should:
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When transporting a stable stroke patient with a paralyzed extremity, place the patient in a:
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Which of the following findings should concern the EMT the MOST when assessing a patient who complains of a headache?
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An area of swelling or enlargement in a weakened arterial wall is called:
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A patient who is experiencing aphasia is:
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The mental status of a patient who has experienced a generalized seizure:
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Study Notes
Spinal Cord and Brain Hemispheres
- The spinal cord exits the cranium via the foramen magnum.
- The left cerebral hemisphere is responsible for controlling the right side of the body.
Signs of Infection and Seizure Types
- A 17-year-old male with anxiety may show typical signs of infection such as fever.
- A simple partial seizure typically starts in one extremity.
Assessing Neurological Status
- A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 indicates a patient's level of consciousness where they exhibit some motor response.
- Dysarthria refers to slurred and difficult-to-understand speech.
Brain Structure and Function
- The brain consists of three major parts: cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
- The brain stem controls basic bodily functions like breathing, blood pressure, and swallowing.
Stroke Conditions
- Hypovolemia is least likely to mimic stroke symptoms compared to other conditions.
- The anterior aspect of the cerebrum is associated with emotional control.
Seizures and Their Causes
- Hypotension is not commonly recognized as a cause of seizures.
- Poisoning is identified as a metabolic cause of seizures.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Risks
- Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for hemorrhagic strokes.
- An ischemic stroke is caused by the blockage of a cerebral artery.
Response to Stroke and Seizures
- In cases of left-sided paralysis and slurred speech, the patient should be placed in recovery position and transported for further care.
- If a stroke patient is unresponsive and apneic, initiate CPR and attach an AED immediately.
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
- If a patient’s arms drop during the arm drift test, repeat the test by positioning their arms manually.
Seizure History and Management
- When assessing a seizure patient's history, obtain details on how the seizure developed.
- An absence seizure is also known as a petit mal seizure, characterized by brief lapses in consciousness.
- Status epilepticus involves prolonged seizures without regaining consciousness.
Febrile Seizures
- Febrile seizures are typically benign but require appropriate evaluation.
Patient Assessment Priorities
- For semi-conscious patients, priority should be to ensure a patent airway and support ventilation as necessary.
- The paralyzed side of a stable stroke patient should be positioned downward during transport.
Assessment Concerns
- Neck stiffness or pain alongside headaches raises significant concern during patient assessment.
Aneurysms and Aphasia
- An aneurysm is defined as an area of swelling in a weakened arterial wall.
- A patient experiencing aphasia is unable to produce or comprehend speech.
Recovery After Seizures
- The mental status of a patient who has had a generalized seizure typically improves within 5 to 30 minutes post-seizure.
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Description
Test your knowledge of emergency medical terminology with these flashcards from EMT Chapter 17. Each card presents key concepts related to the human nervous system, brain function, and patient assessment. Perfect for anyone preparing for EMT certification or needing a refresher in emergency medicine.
