Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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What is common in patients experiencing seizures due to prolonged hypoxia?

Rapid recovery
Increased muscle rigidity
Potential for status seizure
Involuntary movements

The correct answer is: Potential for status seizure

Seizures resulting from prolonged hypoxia are characterized by the potential for status epilepticus, which is a medical emergency defined as a seizure lasting longer than five minutes or a series of seizures without full recovery of consciousness between them. In cases of prolonged hypoxia, the brain is significantly affected by the lack of oxygen, which can lead to recurrent seizures and potentially escalate into status epilepticus. This condition is critical to recognize because timely medical intervention is necessary to prevent further brain injury and other complications. While patients can experience a range of symptoms, the specific concern in this scenario centers on the risk of continuous seizure activity rather than just isolated episodes.