Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which medication is often prescribed as a first step for a patient with suspected cerebral edema?

1. Furosemide

2. Dexamethasone

3. Acetaminophen

4. Metformin

The correct answer is: Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is often prescribed as a first step for a patient with suspected cerebral edema due to its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain, can occur as a result of various conditions such as trauma, tumor, infection, or stroke. The use of dexamethasone helps to reduce the inflammation and swelling in the brain tissue, thereby alleviating pressure and potentially preventing further neurological damage. By decreasing the inflammatory response, dexamethasone can help to improve clinical outcomes in patients exhibiting signs of increased intracranial pressure or other complications associated with cerebral edema. This makes dexamethasone a crucial part of the management strategy in these scenarios. Other medications presented, while useful in different contexts, do not address the underlying inflammation and edema in the same way that dexamethasone does. For instance, furosemide is a diuretic that may help to alleviate fluid overload but is not the primary treatment for cerebral edema itself. Acetaminophen is typically used for pain or fever relief and does not have the same inflammatory effects, while metformin is an antidiabetic medication with no role in managing cerebral edema.