Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What test should be conducted for a possible triggering factor during a seizure?

1. CT scan of the brain

2. Blood glucose level

3. Intravenous drug test

4. Urine culture

The correct answer is: Blood glucose level

The appropriate test to conduct for a possible triggering factor during a seizure is a blood glucose level. This test is crucial because hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can lead to seizures. When a patient presents with a seizure, it's essential to quickly determine whether their blood glucose levels are within the normal range or if they are excessively low. Blood glucose can be checked rapidly and is vital in the acute management of seizures. Identifying hypoglycemia allows for prompt treatment with glucose administration, which can resolve the seizure if it is the underlying cause. Additionally, recognizing hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis may also provide insight into other metabolic issues. In contrast, while a CT scan of the brain can be valuable in assessing structural causes of seizure, it does not address immediate metabolic issues like blood glucose. Intravenous drug tests can help identify toxicological causes but are not universally applicable as first-line assessments in a seizure situation. A urine culture focuses on detecting infections, which may not necessarily relate to seizure activity. Thus, assessing blood glucose is the most relevant and urgent test when considering possible triggering factors for seizures.