North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What could unequal pupils indicate?

1. Allergic reaction

2. Brain injury, can be normal

3. Dehydration or fever

4. Cardiac disease

The correct answer is: Brain injury, can be normal

Unequal pupils, also known as anisocoria, can be indicative of several medical conditions, with one of the most significant being a potential brain injury. In cases of brain injury, the pressure within the skull can affect the eyes' ability to function properly, leading to one pupil being larger or smaller than the other. This may be a result of direct trauma to the head or increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in situations such as a hemorrhage or a stroke. While unequal pupils can sometimes occur in healthy individuals and may be considered normal if there's no other concerning sign, it is crucial to evaluate this symptom in the context of other clinical findings, especially neurological assessments. Considering the other options, an allergic reaction may cause other symptoms, but it is less likely to specifically cause unequal pupils. Dehydration or fever typically manifests with other signs and does not directly lead to significant changes in pupil size. Cardiac disease primarily affects the heart and circulatory system, with symptoms that do not usually include pupil size alterations. Thus, brain injury is the most relevant and serious condition associated with uneven pupil sizes, highlighting the importance of thorough assessments when such a sign is present.