AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of a coma?

1. Stroke

2. Hypoglycemia

3. Asthma attack

4. DKA

The correct answer is: Asthma attack

A coma can result from various medical conditions that disrupt normal brain function, and understanding those causes helps differentiate between potential triggers. In the context of the options presented, stroke, hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are all conditions that can significantly impair neurological function, thus leading to a coma. A stroke can lead to the loss of blood flow to the brain, causing damage that may result in unconsciousness. Hypoglycemia, characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, can lead to confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness if not treated promptly. DKA, a serious complication of diabetes, involves metabolic derangements that can also result in altered mental status, including coma. An asthma attack primarily affects the respiratory system by causing difficulty in breathing due to airway constriction. While severe respiratory distress can lead to hypoxemia and subsequently affect neurological status, it is not a direct cause of a coma in the same manner as the other conditions listed. Thus, an asthma attack is less likely to directly lead to a coma compared to the other options. This understanding clarifies why it is identified as the outlier among the potential causes discussed.