Status epilepticus — DipIMC MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: E — Protect from injury and give buccal or intranasal midazolam
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D
E is correct: A seizure continuing beyond 5 minutes should be treated promptly with a benzodiazepine by an appropriate non-IV route if access is unavailable. A is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; B is less suitable because analgesia is important but does not replace the first physiological intervention; C is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.
Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK; NICE guidance where applicable