6 Neurological Emergency Assessment and Prioritization Free Online FlashCards

What sequence guides the initial assessment of a neurological emergency?

Use ABCDE: airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure.

Which neurological findings should be checked and reassessed?

Check consciousness, pupils, and limb movement, and repeat neurological assessments to detect change.

What is the priority for sudden facial droop, speech difficulty, and arm weakness?

Activate emergency stroke care, record the last-known-well time, and arrange rapid transport.

How should a prompt glucose check affect suspected-stroke assessment?

Check glucose promptly when available, but continue the time-sensitive stroke assessment; a glucose check must not replace or delay it.

What should be done about oral intake before swallowing is assessed?

Keep the patient NPO until swallowing safety has been assessed; do not give food or drink when swallowing may be unsafe.

When does a seizure require emergency help?

A convulsive seizure lasting five minutes or longer, repeated seizures without recovery, or breathing problems requires emergency help.

What are the priorities during a convulsive seizure?

Protect the person from nearby hazards, time the seizure, support airway and breathing, and activate emergency help when indicated.

Which findings after head injury signal urgent danger?

Worsening drowsiness, repeated vomiting, and unequal pupils are danger signs requiring immediate emergency care.

How should worsening consciousness after brain injury be handled?

Treat the change as urgent: reassess airway, breathing, circulation, pupils, and neurological status, and notify the emergency team.

Which two threats should be avoided to reduce secondary brain injury?

Avoiding hypoxia and hypotension helps prevent secondary injury after severe brain injury.

What is the initial-care priority for suspected spinal injury?

Minimize spinal movement and maintain alignment while prioritizing airway, breathing, and circulation.

Why is worsening confusion after head trauma concerning, especially with anticoagulant use?

Worsening headache and confusion after head trauma require urgent emergency evaluation. Anticoagulant use matters, and no initial loss of consciousness does not rule out serious injury.