EMT Chapter 18 Quiz

​Question 1

A 40-year-old patient without a history of seizures experiences a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure. The LEAST

likely cause of this seizure is:

Select one:

A. a brain tumor.

B. epilepsy.

C. intracranial bleeding.

D. a serious infection.

​Question 2

A patient who is experiencing aphasia is:

Select one:

A. unable to produce or understand speech.

B. experiencing a right hemispheric stroke.

C. usually conscious but has slurred speech.

D. not able to swallow without choking.

​Question 3

A patient who is possibly experiencing a stroke is NOT eligible for thrombolytic (fibrinolytic) therapy if he or she:

Select one:

A. is older than 60 years of age.

B. has a GCS score that is less than 8.

C. has bleeding within the brain.

D. has had a prior heart attack.

​Question 4

A patient with an altered mental status is:

Select one:

A. not thinking clearly or is incapable of being aroused.

B. completely unresponsive to all forms of stimuli.

C. typically alert but is confused as to preceding events.

D. usually able to be aroused with a painful stimulus.

​Question 5

Components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale include:

Select one:

A. arm drift, memory, and grip strength.

B. arm drift, speech, and facial droop.

C. speech, pupil reaction, and memory.

D. facial droop, speech, and pupil size.

​Question 6

Febrile seizures:

Select one:

A. often result in permanent brain damage.

B. occur when a child’s fever rises slowly.

C. are also referred to as absence seizures.

D. are usually benign but should be evaluated.

​Question 7

Individuals with chronic alcoholism are predisposed to intracranial bleeding and hypoglycemia secondary to

abnormalities in the:

Select one:

A. liver.

B. kidneys.

C. brain.

D. pancreas.

​Question 8

Muscle control and body coordination are controlled by the:

Select one:

A. cerebral cortex.

B. brain stem.

C. cerebrum.

D. cerebellum.

​Question 9

Status epilepticus is characterized by:

Select one:

A. an absence seizure that is not preceded by an aura.

B. generalized seizures that last less than 5 minutes.

C. prolonged seizures without a return of consciousness.

D. profound tachycardia and total muscle flaccidity.

​Question 10

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

Select one:

A. cerebrum.

B. cerebellum.

C. brain stem.

D. cerebral cortex.

​Question 11

The MOST significant risk factor for a hemorrhagic stroke is:

Select one:

A. diabetes mellitus.

B. severe stress.

C. heavy exertion.

D. hypertension.

​Question 12

The spinal cord exits the cranium through the:

Select one:

A. foramen lamina.

B. vertebral foramen.

C. foramen magnum.

D. cauda equina.

​Question 13

The three major parts of the brain are the:

Select one:

A. midbrain, cerebellum, and spinal cord.

B. cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

C. brain stem, midbrain, and spinal cord.

D. cerebellum, medulla, and occiput.

​Question 14

When assessing for arm drift of a patient with a suspected stroke, you should:

Select one:

A. expect to see one arm slowly drift down to the patient’s side.

B. observe movement of the arms for approximately 2 minutes.

C. ask the patient to hold his or her arms up with the palms down.

D. ask the patient to close his or her eyes during the assessment.

​Question 15

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

Select one:

A. a febrile convulsion.

B. respiratory distress.

C. a seizure.

D. an acute stroke.

​Question 16

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

Select one:

A. Nasal discharge of blood

B. Sudden, severe headache

C. Confusion and weakness

D. Unilateral hemiparesis

​Question 17

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

Select one:

A. Respiratory failure or cardiopulmonary arrest

B. Reduced blood supply to the left hemisphere

C. Blocked cerebral artery in the frontal lobe

D. Ruptured cerebral artery in the occipital lobe

​Question 18

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

headache?

Select one:

A. History of migraines

B. Sinus congestion

C. Slow onset of symptoms

D. Neck stiffness or pain

​Question 19

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

Select one:

A. Generalized twitching of all muscles

B. Normal level of consciousness

C. No change in vision, smell, or taste

D. Absence of breathing

​Question 20

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

Select one:

A. Narrowing of a carotid artery

B. Rupture of a cerebral artery

C. Blockage of a cerebral artery

D. Acute atherosclerotic disease