JBL EMT Practice Exam

You arrive at a grocery store shortly after a 35-year-old male stopped seizing. Your assessment reveals that he is confused and incontinent of urine. The patient's girlfriend tells you that he has a history of seizures and takes topiramate (Topamax). When obtaining further medical history from the girlfriend, it is MOST important to:

1. ask her how long the patient has been taking his medication

2. determine if the patient is a known alcohol abuser

3. determine when he was last seen by his physician

4. obtain a description of how the seizure developed

The correct answer is: obtain a description of how the seizure developed

When dealing with a patient who has a history of seizures and is currently experiencing confusion and incontinence of urine, obtaining a description of how the seizure developed is crucial. Understanding the onset of the seizure can provide valuable information about the patient's condition, potential triggers, duration, and possible complications during the seizure. This information can help determine the appropriate course of action and treatment for the patient. While the other options may also hold some importance in the overall assessment and care of the patient, such as determining when the patient last saw their physician or if they are a known alcohol abuser, obtaining a description of how the seizure developed takes precedence in this scenario.