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Status epilepticus — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasySeizuresStatus epilepticusMCCQE Part 1

A 30-year-old woman has a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 7 minutes in the emergency department. Glucose is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate medication?

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Correct answer: D — Intravenous lorazepam

A convulsive seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is status epilepticus and requires immediate benzodiazepine therapy such as IV lorazepam. Second-line antiseizure loading follows if seizures persist. Delaying treatment worsens neuronal injury and treatment resistance.

Reference: Canadian emergency medicine seizure pathways; Canadian League Against Epilepsy practice