EMT Chapter 17 Neurologic Emergencies

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Questions and Answers

What should you ask the wife of a 58-year-old man presenting with confusion, right-sided weakness, and slurred speech?

Ask his wife when she noticed the symptoms

Which part of the brain controls muscle control and body coordination?

Cerebellum

What does the anterior aspect of the cerebrum control?

Emotion

What accurately describes the cause of an ischemic stroke?

Blockage of a cerebral artery Signup and view all the answers

What finding should concern the EMT the most when assessing a patient with a headache?

Neck stiffness or pain Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a patient is experiencing aphasia?

Unable to produce or understand speech Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure?

Severe twitching of all the body's muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is status epilepticus characterized by?

Prolonged seizures without a return of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of seizures?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What is most important to obtain when assessing a patient who recently experienced a seizure?

Obtain a description of how the seizure developed Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal clinical difference between a stroke and hypoglycemia?

Patients with hypoglycemia usually have an altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which patient would most likely demonstrate typical signs of infection, such as a fever?

A 17-year-old male with anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What should be done for a 22-year-old female found unconscious with rapid and shallow respirations?

Assist ventilations, perform a rapid exam, and prepare for immediate transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the least likely cause of a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure in a 40-year-old patient without a history of seizures?

Epilepsy Signup and view all the answers

What components are included in the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale?

Arm drift, speech, and facial droop Signup and view all the answers

What treatment should be provided for a patient with a severe headache and nausea who has a history of migraines?

Dimming the lights in the back of the ambulance and transporting without lights and sirens Signup and view all the answers

What does successful treatment of a stroke depend on?

Thrombolytic therapy is given within 3 hours of symptoms beginning Signup and view all the answers

What Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score should be assigned to a patient who answers questions appropriately but has closed eyes and weaker left-side movement?

12 Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is most suggestive of a ruptured aneurysm?

Sudden, severe headache Signup and view all the answers

Which medication suggests a patient has a history of seizures?

Levetiracetam (Keppra) Signup and view all the answers

What neurologic examination emphasizes possible stroke signs?

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale Assessment Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off by a blockage, resulting in tissue damage?

Ischemic stroke Signup and view all the answers

What condition occurs when a patient forgets about the injured side after a stroke?

Neglect syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurologic Emergencies Overview

Confusion, weakness, and speech difficulties may indicate a neurologic emergency; immediate assessment of symptom onset is crucial.
The cerebellum is responsible for muscle control and coordination.

Cerebral Functions

The anterior cerebrum influences emotions and behaviors.
Ischemic stroke results from a blockage in a cerebral artery.

Headache and Seizure Assessment

Neck stiffness or pain accompanies headaches and may signify serious conditions.
Aphasia refers to the inability to produce or understand speech.
Tonic-clonic seizures involve severe muscle twitching.

Seizure Management

Status epilepticus is marked by prolonged seizures without regaining consciousness.
Hypotension is not a common cause of seizures; understanding the patient's seizure history is vital.
Details about how a seizure started are important when assessing a patient with a known seizure disorder.

Stroke Recognition

Differences exist between stroke and hypoglycemia: altered mental status is more common in hypoglycemia.
The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale includes assessments for arm drift, speech, and facial droop.

Treatment Strategies

Migraines should be managed in a calm environment; dim lighting and quiet transport are beneficial.
Thrombolytic therapy effectiveness is time-sensitive; treatment must occur within 3 hours of symptom onset.

Neurologic Assessment Scores

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) allows quick evaluation; a score of 12 reflects certain alertness and movement capabilities.
Sudden severe headaches may indicate a ruptured aneurysm.

Medications and History

Levetiracetam (Keppra) suggests a patient's seizure history.
Recognizing stroke signs such as slurred speech and facial droop can facilitate timely interventions.

Ischemic Stroke and Neglect

An ischemic stroke results from interrupted blood flow to the brain, leading to tissue damage.
Neglect syndrome occurs when a patient fails to recognize or respond to one side of their body following a stroke.

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Description

Test your knowledge on neurologic emergencies with this quiz covering key concepts from EMT Chapter 17. You'll encounter questions about symptoms, brain functions, and critical interventions. Perfect for EMT students looking to reinforce their understanding of emergency cases.