EMT Chapter 18: Neurologic Emergencies Quiz

Questions and Answers

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

Intracranial bleeding

A brain tumor (correct)

Epilepsy (correct)

A serious infection

A patient who is experiencing aphasia is:

Usually conscious but has slurred speech (correct)

Unable to produce or understand speech (correct)

Experiencing a right hemispheric stroke (correct)

Not able to swallow without choking (correct)

A patient who is possibly experiencing a stroke is not eligible for thrombolytic therapy if he or she:

Has had a prior heart attack

Has bleeding within the brain (correct)

Is older than 60 years of age (correct)

Has a GCS score that is less than 8 (correct)

A patient with an altered mental status is:

Not thinking clearly or is incapable of being aroused Signup and view all the answers

Components of the Cincinnati pre-hospital Stroke Scale include:

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

Febrile seizures:

Are also referred to as absence seizures Signup and view all the answers

Muscle control and body coordination are controlled by the:

Cerebrum Signup and view all the answers

Status epilepticus is characterized by:

Generalized seizures that last less than 5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

The most basic functions of the body, such as breathing, blood pressure, and swallowing, are controlled by the:

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

The spinal cord exits the cranium through the:

Foramen magnum Signup and view all the answers

The three major parts of the brain are:

Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem Signup and view all the answers

When you assess for arm drift in a patient with a suspected stroke, you should:

Observe movement of the arms for approximately 2 minutes Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a patient with documented hypoglycemia, you should be MOST alert for:

Respiratory distress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following clinical signs is MOST suggestive of a ruptured aneurysm?

Nasal discharge of blood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would MOST likely affect the entire brain?

Block cerebral artery in the frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings should concern the EMT the MOST when assessing a patient who complains of a headache?

Slow onset of symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is characteristic of a focal-onset aware seizure?

Normal level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately describes the cause of an ischemic stroke?

Narrowing of a carotid artery Signup and view all the answers

A 58-year-old male presents with confusion, right-sided weakness, and slurred speech. What is the MOST immediate priority?

Asking his wife when she noticed the symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to mimic the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

You are dispatched to a residence for a 66-year-old male who allegedly suffered a massive stroke. What should you do first?

Obtain a blood glucose sample to rule out hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

Law enforcement has summoned you to a nightclub for a 22-year-old female found unconscious. What should you do?

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

During the primary assessment of a semi-conscious 70-year-old female, what should you prioritize?

Insert a nasopharyngeal airway and assist ventilations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following MOST accurately describes a focal onset aware seizure?

A seizure that is not preceded by an aura Signup and view all the answers

Interruption of cerebral blood flow may result from all of the following, except:

An embolism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following patients would MOST likely demonstrate typical signs of infection, such as fever?

A 3-month-old female who was born prematurely Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seizures and Stroke

Generalized seizures in adults can be caused by epilepsy, brain tumors, intracranial bleeding, or serious infections; least likely cause is epilepsy.
Aphasia indicates an inability to produce or understand speech, typically arises from stroke or brain injury.
Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in patients with bleeding within the brain.

Mental Status and Assessment

Altered mental status can indicate confusion and may include the inability to respond to stimuli.
Cincinnati pre-hospital Stroke Scale includes arm drift, speech, and facial droop as key components for assessing stroke.

Febrile Seizures and Risk Factors

Febrile seizures typically occur in children and are generally benign, but evaluation is necessary.
Chronic alcoholism is associated with an increased risk of intracranial bleeding and hypoglycemia due to liver abnormalities.

Brain Function and Anatomy

The cerebellum is responsible for muscle control and coordination, while basic functions like breathing and heart rate are regulated by the brainstem.
Major parts of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.

Emergency Response

Status epilepticus is characterized by prolonged seizures without a return to consciousness; immediate intervention is critical.
Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.

Neurological Assessment

The spinal cord exits the skull through the foramen magnum.
A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 12 indicates a semi-conscious state with focused but weak responses.

Clinical Signs and Conditions

Sudden, severe headaches suggest a ruptured aneurysm; neck stiffness may indicate meningitis or serious infection.
Focal-onset aware seizures maintain consciousness but may cause blank staring.

Ischemic Stroke and Interventions

Ischemic stroke results from blockage of a cerebral artery; quick assessment of onset symptoms is crucial for patient management.
CPR should be initiated immediately if a patient is unresponsive and suspected of having a stroke.

Additional Considerations

Not all patients with a headache will exhibit classic infection signs; assessment requires clinical context.
Hypoglycemia, hypovolemia, and postictal states can mimic stroke symptoms but differ in management approaches.

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Description

Test your knowledge on neurologic emergencies with this quiz based on EMT Chapter 18. Explore key concepts such as seizures and aphasia to better understand emergency medical responses. Perfect for EMT students and healthcare professionals.