ATI Unit 2 Seizures and Epilepsy

Question 1

what are the 3 categories of seizures

Answer 1

1) general
2) partial/focal
3) unclassified/idiopathic

Question 2

what type of seizure is most common in children and tends to have familial commonality?

Answer 2

absence seizures

Question 3

What is a generalized seizure

Answer 3

• also called tonic-clonic or grand mal that my begin with an aura (alteration in senses or emotion)
• tonic = muscle stiffening
• followed by clonic = rhythmic jerking
• cyanosis possible due to breathing irregularities
• incontinence
• post-ictal phase = confusion

1. tonic seizure - half minute to minutes
2. clonic seizures - minutes
3. absence seizures - pediatric, LoC for few sseconds, blank staring, automatism like lip-smacking, then resumes
4. myoclonic seizures= brief jerking or stiffening of extremities, uni or bilateral, seconds
5. atonic or akinetic seizure - muscle tonse lost, followed by confusion, falling

Question 4

Partial seizures

Answer 4

1. complex
   - automatisms
   - amnesia after
2. simple
   - conciousness maintained
   - unusual sensations like deja vu

Question 5

seizure precautions

Answer 5

• loosen clothing
• turn patient on side
• DON’T put anything in their mouth/don’t open jaw
• have suctioning/O2 ready
• privacy
• padded side rails

Question 6

what med is often prescribed for seizures?

Answer 6

phenytoin (Dilantin)

• drug-drugs: no oral contraceptives (decreases phenytoin); no warfarin (decreases warfarin)
• ** can cause an overgrowth of gums

Question 7

what is status epilepticus?

Answer 7

• seizure activity over a prolonged period of 30 min or more

- acute but emergency