Status Epilepticus MCQ Quiz | Emergencies

Welcome to the Status Epilepticus (SE) quiz, specifically designed for MBBS students navigating the complexities of medical emergencies. This quiz features 25 multiple-choice questions covering the definition, pathophysiology, classification, and critical management protocols of SE, from first-line interventions to handling refractory cases. It’s an excellent tool to test your knowledge, reinforce key concepts, and prepare for clinical scenarios where rapid and accurate decision-making is vital. After completing the quiz, you can submit your answers to see your score and review the correct responses. For your future reference and study, an option to download all questions with their correct answers in a PDF format is also available. Good luck!

1. What is the modern time-based definition of generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE)?

2. What is the recommended first-line intravenous medication for treating status epilepticus in adults?

3. If intravenous access cannot be established promptly, which of the following is the best alternative for initial management?

4. Which of the following is considered a second-line agent for status epilepticus if benzodiazepines fail?

5. Refractory status epilepticus is defined as status epilepticus that continues despite treatment with:

6. The primary pathophysiological mechanism in established status epilepticus involves:

7. What is the immediate first step in the management of a patient presenting with generalized convulsive status epilepticus?

8. A major systemic complication of prolonged convulsive status epilepticus is:

9. Why is checking blood glucose level a critical step in the initial evaluation of a patient with status epilepticus?

10. In which patient population should thiamine be administered before glucose?

11. What is a significant advantage of using levetiracetam over phenytoin as a second-line agent?

12. Rapid intravenous infusion of phenytoin is associated with which major adverse effect?

13. Which diagnostic tool is essential for managing refractory status epilepticus and guiding therapy with anesthetic agents?

14. What is the most common cause of status epilepticus in patients with a known history of epilepsy?

15. Why is IV lorazepam generally preferred over IV diazepam for the initial treatment of status epilepticus?

16. A patient with altered mental status but no overt convulsions has an EEG showing continuous spike-and-wave activity. This is characteristic of:

17. Super-refractory status epilepticus is defined as SE that continues or recurs for how long after the initiation of anesthetic therapy?

18. The use of valproic acid as a second-line agent is contraindicated in patients with:

19. Which of these is a potential life-threatening complication of long-term, high-dose propofol infusion?

20. What is the standard adult IV loading dose of fosphenytoin, expressed in phenytoin equivalents (PE)?

21. A patient presents with continuous rhythmic twitching of their left arm and face for 45 minutes, while remaining fully conscious. This condition is best described as:

22. Which anesthetic agent used for refractory SE has a mechanism of action primarily through NMDA receptor antagonism?

23. The primary goal of treatment in status epilepticus is:

24. What is the most significant factor determining the long-term prognosis and mortality of a patient after an episode of status epilepticus?

25. What is the primary reason for intubating a patient in generalized convulsive status epilepticus?