Syncope - 30 Mins - EMT-p
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Geriatric patients have a much higher incidence of cardiac syncope. Patients ___ years of age have a cardiovascular cause of syncope twice the incidence of patients ___ years of age.
- A.
45 to 60, 20 to 45
- B.
50 to 80, 12 to 45
- C.
60 to 90, 15 to 59
- D.
80 to 100, 40 to 60
Correct Answer
C. 60 to 90, 15 to 59Explanation
Geriatric patients, who are between 60 to 90 years of age, have a much higher incidence of cardiac syncope compared to patients who are between 15 to 59 years of age. This means that the likelihood of experiencing syncope due to a cardiovascular cause is twice as high in the older age group.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Syncope in pediatric patients can be due to breath-holding spells.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Syncope in pediatric patients can be due to breath-holding spells. This statement is true because breath-holding spells are a common cause of syncope in young children. Breath-holding spells occur when a child holds their breath involuntarily, usually in response to a trigger such as pain or frustration. This can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness and muscle tone, resulting in syncope. While breath-holding spells are generally harmless and resolve on their own, they can be a cause of concern for parents and caregivers.Rate this question:
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- 3.
An ECG should be performed on ___ patients with syncope.
- A.
All
- B.
Most
- C.
Few
- D.
None
Correct Answer
B. MostExplanation
Most patients with syncope should undergo an ECG. This is because syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness, can be caused by various underlying cardiac conditions. An ECG can help identify any abnormal heart rhythms, structural abnormalities, or other cardiac issues that may be contributing to the syncope. While not all patients with syncope will require an ECG, it is recommended for the majority of them to ensure proper evaluation and management.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Hypoglycemia is associated with a gradual change in mental status which is prolonged and reversed only by an increase in serum glucose. The return to a normal mental state is somewhat ___ than in syncope.
- A.
Slower
- B.
Faster
- C.
There is no difference is return to a normal mental state
Correct Answer
A. SlowerExplanation
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels. It is known to cause a gradual change in mental status, which is prolonged and can only be reversed by increasing the levels of glucose in the bloodstream. The question is asking for a comparison between the return to a normal mental state in hypoglycemia and syncope (fainting). The correct answer is "slower" because it implies that the recovery of mental state in hypoglycemia takes more time compared to syncope.Rate this question:
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- 5.
All patients who suffer syncope should have a full set of vitals, pulse, respiration and BP, obtained. What other ' vital sign ' is necessary for the field provider to obtain?
- A.
Cardiac 12 lead
- B.
Blood glucose
- C.
Temperature
- D.
Orthostatic BP
Correct Answer
D. Orthostatic BPExplanation
In addition to obtaining the standard vital signs of pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, the field provider should also obtain orthostatic blood pressure. Orthostatic blood pressure is a measurement taken when the patient changes positions from lying down to standing up. This measurement helps to assess for orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which there is a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing. This can be a potential cause of syncope (fainting) and is important to assess in patients who have experienced syncope.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Head turning could cause a syncopal episode from carotid sinus hypersensitivity.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Head turning can cause a syncopal episode in individuals with carotid sinus hypersensitivity. Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is a condition where the carotid sinus, a small area in the neck that helps regulate blood pressure, becomes overly sensitive and can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate when stimulated. Head turning can stimulate the carotid sinus and lead to a syncopal episode, which is a temporary loss of consciousness due to a lack of blood flow to the brain. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A definitive diagnosis will be made in only approximately__ of the patients presenting to the Emergency Department with syncope.
- A.
20%
- B.
30%
- C.
50%
- D.
70%
Correct Answer
C. 50%Explanation
Approximately 50% of the patients presenting to the Emergency Department with syncope will receive a definitive diagnosis. This means that in half of the cases, the cause of the syncope episode will be determined. The other half of the patients may require further tests or evaluations to establish a clear diagnosis. This highlights the challenge in diagnosing syncope accurately, as it can have various underlying causes and may require extensive investigation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Vasovagal episodes are often associated with
- A.
Blood loss
- B.
Hypothermia
- C.
Distressing news
- D.
Excitement
Correct Answer
C. Distressing newsExplanation
Vasovagal episodes, also known as fainting or syncope, are often triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Distressing news can cause a strong emotional response, leading to a surge of adrenaline and stress hormones. This can result in a vasovagal response, causing a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain and leading to fainting. Therefore, distressing news is often associated with vasovagal episodes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Vasomotor syncope best refers to
- A.
Syncope cased by a sudden loss of blood to the brain due to vasoconstriction
- B.
Syncope cased by a sudden loss of blood to the brain due to vasodilation
- C.
Syncope cased by a sudden loss of blood to the brain due to loss of vessel tone
- D.
Syncope cased by a sudden loss of blood to the brain due to vasoconstriction
Correct Answer
C. Syncope cased by a sudden loss of blood to the brain due to loss of vessel toneExplanation
The correct answer is "syncope cased by a sudden loss of blood to the brain due to loss of vessel tone." Vasomotor syncope refers to a type of fainting or loss of consciousness that occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure is caused by the loss of vessel tone, which leads to a decrease in blood flow to the brain. Vasoconstriction and vasodilation are not the correct explanations because they involve the narrowing or widening of blood vessels, which is not the primary cause of vasomotor syncope.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Psychogenic syncope is self correcting in most cases.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Psychogenic syncope refers to fainting or loss of consciousness that is caused by psychological factors rather than a physical condition. In most cases, psychogenic syncope is self-correcting, meaning that the individual will regain consciousness on their own without any medical intervention. This is because the underlying cause of the syncope is related to psychological factors, such as anxiety or emotional distress, rather than a structural or physiological issue. Therefore, the statement that psychogenic syncope is self-correcting in most cases is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Brief myoclonic jerking may occur with a syncope episode. This is
- A.
Normal
- B.
Abnormal
- C.
Only with cardiac based cases
- D.
Only when drugs are involved
Correct Answer
A. NormalExplanation
Brief myoclonic jerking may occur with a syncope episode, which is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain. This jerking is considered normal because it is a common physiological response to the lack of oxygen in the brain during a syncope episode. It is not necessarily indicative of any underlying cardiac or drug-related issues.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Loss of cerebral blood flow for ___ seconds results in loss of consciousness.
- A.
3-5
- B.
5 - 10
- C.
10-15
- D.
15-20
Correct Answer
B. 5 - 10Explanation
Loss of cerebral blood flow for 5-10 seconds can result in loss of consciousness. During this time, the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a temporary disruption in its normal functioning. This can cause a person to lose consciousness as the brain is unable to maintain awareness and control over bodily functions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
One way in which syncope can be defined is _________________________.
- A.
Gradual loss of consciousness
- B.
Inability to maintain postural tone
- C.
Simple fainting
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Inability to maintain postural toneExplanation
Syncope can be defined as the inability to maintain postural tone. This means that a person experiencing syncope is unable to maintain their upright posture and may collapse or fall due to a temporary loss of muscle tone. This is different from a gradual loss of consciousness or simple fainting, as it specifically refers to the loss of postural control.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 03, 2008Quiz Created by
Medic2690
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