New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

During a secondary assessment, which method is primarily used to evaluate a patient's neurological function?

1. Heart rate assessment

2. Pupil response assessment

3. Skin temperature assessment

4. Breathing pattern assessment

The correct answer is: Pupil response assessment

The evaluation of a patient's neurological function during a secondary assessment is primarily achieved through a pupil response assessment. This method specifically examines how the pupils react to light and whether they are equal and round. Changes in pupil size, shape, or reaction can indicate various neurological conditions, including increased intracranial pressure or neurological deficits. Assessing heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing patterns, while important aspects of a comprehensive patient assessment, do not directly measure neurological function. Heart rate assessment focuses on cardiovascular stability, skin temperature provides information about circulation and thermal regulation, and breathing pattern assessment is critical for evaluating respiratory function. None of these methods specifically gauge neurological health as effectively as examining pupil response.