EMT Chapter 17 - Neurologic Emergencies -
Multiple Choice Questions with Correct
Answers
Which of the following are components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale?
A. Arm drift, blood pressure, speech
B. Speech, pupil response, arm drift
C. Facial symmetry, speech, arm drift
D. Pupil response, facial droop, speech Answer: C
Rationale: The three components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale are facial symmetry,
speech, and arm drift. Both sides of the patient's face should move symmetrically (equally)
when he or she smiles. The patient's speech should be easily understandable and without
slurring. The patient should be able to hold both arms out in front of his or her body—with eyes
closed and palms up—without one arm drifting down to his or her side.
Your patient opens his eyes when you say his name, is making incomprehensible sounds, and
withdraws when you pinch his earlobe. What is his GCS score?
A. 9
, B. 8
C. 11
D. 12 Answer: A
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale gives a score of 3 to a patient who opens his or her eyes in
response to speech. "Incomprehensible sounds" has a score of 2, and "withdraws to pain" has a
score of 4. When added together, this patient's GCS score is 9.
If a patient complains of a severe migraine, how should she be transported?
A. In a brightly lit ambulance so she can see while her vision is impaired
B. With loud sirens so she can get to the hospital as soon as possible
C. Without lights and sirens
D. This patient should not be transported. Answer: C
Rationale: Treatment of a migraine headache is supportive; however, you should always assess
the patient for other signs and symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition. Applying
high-flow oxygen, if tolerated, may help ease the patient's condition. When possible, provide a
darkened and quiet environment because patients are sensitive to light and sound. Do not use
lights and sirens during transport.
Death of brain tissue due to an interruption in blood flow is known as
Multiple Choice Questions with Correct
Answers
Which of the following are components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale?
A. Arm drift, blood pressure, speech
B. Speech, pupil response, arm drift
C. Facial symmetry, speech, arm drift
D. Pupil response, facial droop, speech Answer: C
Rationale: The three components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale are facial symmetry,
speech, and arm drift. Both sides of the patient's face should move symmetrically (equally)
when he or she smiles. The patient's speech should be easily understandable and without
slurring. The patient should be able to hold both arms out in front of his or her body—with eyes
closed and palms up—without one arm drifting down to his or her side.
Your patient opens his eyes when you say his name, is making incomprehensible sounds, and
withdraws when you pinch his earlobe. What is his GCS score?
A. 9
, B. 8
C. 11
D. 12 Answer: A
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale gives a score of 3 to a patient who opens his or her eyes in
response to speech. "Incomprehensible sounds" has a score of 2, and "withdraws to pain" has a
score of 4. When added together, this patient's GCS score is 9.
If a patient complains of a severe migraine, how should she be transported?
A. In a brightly lit ambulance so she can see while her vision is impaired
B. With loud sirens so she can get to the hospital as soon as possible
C. Without lights and sirens
D. This patient should not be transported. Answer: C
Rationale: Treatment of a migraine headache is supportive; however, you should always assess
the patient for other signs and symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition. Applying
high-flow oxygen, if tolerated, may help ease the patient's condition. When possible, provide a
darkened and quiet environment because patients are sensitive to light and sound. Do not use
lights and sirens during transport.
Death of brain tissue due to an interruption in blood flow is known as
