Epilepsy Flashcards
1
Q
Pathophysiology of Epilepsy
A
Complex disorder of the CNS in which brain function is affected
2
Q
Risk Factors of Epilepsy
A
- Family History of seizure of epilepsy
- Complications during the prenatal, perinatal or postnatal periods
- Changes in developmental status or delays in developmental milestones
- Any recent illness, fever, trauma, or toxin exposure
3
Q
Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy
A
Recurrent or unprovoked seizures are the clinical manifestations of epilepsy and result from disruption of electrical communication among the neurons of the brain
4
Q
Labs and Diagnostics for Epilepsy
A
- Lumbar Puncture- to rule out meningitis
- CT
- EEG
- Video EEG
- Serum glucose, electrolytes and calcium- to rule out metabolic causes
- MRI
5
Q
Complications
A
- Anoxia
- Hypoxemia
- Glucose level changes
- Traumatic injury
- Drug toxicity
- Incontinence
6
Q
Nursing Intervention: Managing Treatment
A
- Provide instructions on administering anticonvulsants
> Common Adverse Effects
> The need to continue the medication - Reduce medication noncompliance
7
Q
Nursing Intervention: Providing Family Support and Education
A
- Educate everyone (child, family, teacher)
- Encourage parents to be involved in the management of the child’s seizure
- Place only necessary restrictions on the child
8
Q
How to Respond When Your Child Has A Seizure
A
- Remain calm
- If child is standing, ease child to the ground
- Time seizure episode
- Tight clothing and jewelry around the neck should be loosen
- Place child on one side and open airway
- Do not restrain the child
- Remove hazard items
- Do not forcibly open the jaw
- Document length of seizure and movement, also cyanosis, loss of bladder or bowel control
- Remain with child until fully conscious
- Call EMS if:
> The child stopped breathing
> Any injury has occurred
> Seizure lasts more than 5 mins
> This is the child’s first seizure
> Child is unresponsive to painful stimuli after seizure
