Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
During a generalized tonic/clonic seizure, the patient is rigid and his back is arched. This represents the
_________ phase of the seizure.
A. hypertonic
B. tonic
C. clonic
D. postictal - ANSWER A. Hypertonic
An idiopathic seizure is one in which:
A. the cause is not known.
B. the entire brain is affected.
C. a part of the brain is affected.
D. a postictal phase is not present. - ANSWER A. the cause is not known.
In contrast to a benign neoplasm, a malignant neoplasm:
A. results in death in the vast majority of cases.
,Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
B. remains within a capsule and grows minimally.
C. can metastasize to other parts of the body.
D. is relatively easy to remove surgically. - ANSWER C .can metastasize to other parts of the body.
A neoplasm is MOST accurately defined as a:
A. normal cell.
B. damaged cell.
C. cancerous tumor.
D. new growth. - ANSWER D. New Growth
You are dispatched to a residence for a middle-aged woman with generalized weakness of
approximately 18 hours' duration. Your primary assessment reveals right-sided hemiparesis, a left-sided
facial droop, and bilaterally equal and reactive pupils. Further assessment reveals that her blood glucose
level is 70 mg/dL. En route to the hospital, you note increased movement of her right arm. She is
receiving oxygen via nasal cannula and has a patent IV line in place. Which of the following statements
regarding this scenario is correct?
A. The patient's signs and symptoms are likely the result of her blood sugar and will resolve with
dextrose.
B. The patient will likely receive fibrinolytic therapy in the emergency department if no contraindications
exist.
, Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
C. Although the patient is likely experiencing a TIA, you should treat her as though she is experiencing a
stroke.
D. You should administer nitroglycerin or labetalol - ANSWER C. Although the patient is likely
experiencing a TIA, you should treat her as though she is experiencing a stroke.
A 33-year-old woman had an apparent syncopal episode. According to her husband, she complained of
dizziness shortly before the episode. He further states that he caught her before she fell to the ground.
Upon your arrival, the patient is conscious but confused and is sitting in a chair. Her blood pressure is
90/60 mm Hg, pulse rate is 110 beats/min and weak, and respirations are 22 breaths/min and regular.
Her blood glucose level is 74 mg/dL. The MOST likely cause of her syncopal episode is:
A. a vasovagal response.
B. dehydration.
C. a seizure.
D. acute hypoglycemia. - ANSWER B. dehydration.
In contrast to syncope, a seizure:
A. can occur when the patient is in any position.
B. most often occurs when the patient is standing.
C. is less commonly observed in older patients.
D. is characterized by a quick return of orientation. - ANSWER A. can occur when the patient is in any
position.
complete solutions
Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
During a generalized tonic/clonic seizure, the patient is rigid and his back is arched. This represents the
_________ phase of the seizure.
A. hypertonic
B. tonic
C. clonic
D. postictal - ANSWER A. Hypertonic
An idiopathic seizure is one in which:
A. the cause is not known.
B. the entire brain is affected.
C. a part of the brain is affected.
D. a postictal phase is not present. - ANSWER A. the cause is not known.
In contrast to a benign neoplasm, a malignant neoplasm:
A. results in death in the vast majority of cases.
,Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
B. remains within a capsule and grows minimally.
C. can metastasize to other parts of the body.
D. is relatively easy to remove surgically. - ANSWER C .can metastasize to other parts of the body.
A neoplasm is MOST accurately defined as a:
A. normal cell.
B. damaged cell.
C. cancerous tumor.
D. new growth. - ANSWER D. New Growth
You are dispatched to a residence for a middle-aged woman with generalized weakness of
approximately 18 hours' duration. Your primary assessment reveals right-sided hemiparesis, a left-sided
facial droop, and bilaterally equal and reactive pupils. Further assessment reveals that her blood glucose
level is 70 mg/dL. En route to the hospital, you note increased movement of her right arm. She is
receiving oxygen via nasal cannula and has a patent IV line in place. Which of the following statements
regarding this scenario is correct?
A. The patient's signs and symptoms are likely the result of her blood sugar and will resolve with
dextrose.
B. The patient will likely receive fibrinolytic therapy in the emergency department if no contraindications
exist.
, Chapter 18 Neurological Emergencies 86
complete solutions
C. Although the patient is likely experiencing a TIA, you should treat her as though she is experiencing a
stroke.
D. You should administer nitroglycerin or labetalol - ANSWER C. Although the patient is likely
experiencing a TIA, you should treat her as though she is experiencing a stroke.
A 33-year-old woman had an apparent syncopal episode. According to her husband, she complained of
dizziness shortly before the episode. He further states that he caught her before she fell to the ground.
Upon your arrival, the patient is conscious but confused and is sitting in a chair. Her blood pressure is
90/60 mm Hg, pulse rate is 110 beats/min and weak, and respirations are 22 breaths/min and regular.
Her blood glucose level is 74 mg/dL. The MOST likely cause of her syncopal episode is:
A. a vasovagal response.
B. dehydration.
C. a seizure.
D. acute hypoglycemia. - ANSWER B. dehydration.
In contrast to syncope, a seizure:
A. can occur when the patient is in any position.
B. most often occurs when the patient is standing.
C. is less commonly observed in older patients.
D. is characterized by a quick return of orientation. - ANSWER A. can occur when the patient is in any
position.
