BSO Protocols Practice Test

When a seizure in an adult does not respond to two doses of a benzodiazepine, you’re dealing with refractory status epilepticus and need a rapid-acting non-benzodiazepine agent to stop the seizure quickly. Ketamine fits this role because it blocks NMDA receptors involved in sustaining seizures and acts fast. It can be given IV, IO, or IM, and is often diluted for a controlled bolus delivery. This option is preferred in many protocols because ketamine tends to preserve airway reflexes and maintain blood pressure better than some other sedatives, which helps in emergency settings where airway management can be challenging. The suggested dose of 100 mg provides a rapid, sufficiently high concentration to terminate seizures promptly and can be administered via multiple routes if IV access isn’t immediately available. Other choices, like repeating a benzodiazepine or using propofol or other anticonvulsants, may be used in different contexts, but for immediate control after two benzodiazepine doses, a ketamine bolus is a common next step.