DSA 37 Transient Loss of Consciousness

Question 1

what is the treatment if hypotension is an issue with vasovagal syncope?

Answer 1

vasopressors or alpha agonists

Question 2

identify: syncope with a history of heart disease or palpitations

Answer 2

cardiogenic syncope

Question 3

how do you differentiate between a cardiogenic syncope and vasovagal syncope?

Answer 3

cardiogenic syncope is not triggered by pain or emotion and is unrelated to posture

Question 4

what is the physical exam like for a patient with seizures experiencing syncope?

Answer 4

skin lesions (TS, neurofibromatous) and abnormal neuro-psychiatric exa

Question 5

which types of seizures can cause syncope?

Answer 5

complex partial or generalized

Question 6

what are the two diagnostic test you can perform for someone experiencing seizures with syncope?

Answer 6

MRI and EEG

Question 7

identify: loss of consciousness with focal neurological symptoms such as body weakness and facial numbness

Answer 7

brainstem TIA

Question 8

what can you rule out if you just have LOC without the focal neurological deficits?

Answer 8

can rule out a vascular issue as the cause of brainstem TIA

Question 9

no signs of sweating

Answer 9

loss of consciousness due to hyperventilation

Question 10

what metabolic disorder causes syncope?

Answer 10

hypoglycemia

Question 11

in any patient with LOC, vital signs should include _______.

Answer 11

supine and standing BP and pulse

Question 12

identify: most important step in providing first aid to someone who has experienced LOC.

Answer 12

keep the person recumbent

Question 13

TIA might result in transient LOC in which arterial distribution?

Answer 13

basilar

Question 14

what area of the brain is most susceptible to hypoxemia?

Answer 14

cerebral cortex

Question 15

if patient loses consciousness while lying in bed, what could have caused it?

Answer 15

seizure or cardiogenic syncope (not vasovagal syncope)