Neurology: status epilepticus: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Neurology: status epilepticus

Sample item

A patient has a generalized convulsion lasting longer than five minutes. What is the immediate pharmacologic priority?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Administer a benzodiazepine while supporting airway and breathing

Convulsive status epilepticus is time critical. A benzodiazepine is first-line to terminate seizure activity while airway, oxygenation, glucose, and cause are addressed.

Option by option

  • A. Perform lumbar puncture first

    Lumbar puncture must not delay immediate stabilization.

  • B. Administer a benzodiazepine while supporting airway and breathing (correct)

    Correct. Rapid benzodiazepine treatment reduces ongoing seizure-related harm.

  • C. Wait until the seizure stops spontaneously

    Prolonged seizures should not be observed without treatment.

  • D. Give oral antiepileptic medication only

    Oral medication is too slow and may be unsafe during convulsions.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Administer a benzodiazepine while supporting airway and breathing. Convulsive status epilepticus is time critical.

Why is "Perform lumbar puncture first" not the answer?

Lumbar puncture must not delay immediate stabilization.

Why is "Wait until the seizure stops spontaneously" not the answer?

Prolonged seizures should not be observed without treatment.

Why is "Give oral antiepileptic medication only" not the answer?

Oral medication is too slow and may be unsafe during convulsions.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: status epilepticus in General Medicine. A benzodiazepine is first-line to terminate seizure activity while airway, oxygenation, glucose, and cause are addressed.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurology: status epilepticus?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.