FEBRILE CONVULSIONS Flashcards
This 22 vear old mum has noticed fever and convulsion in her 3 year of child for the first time, Counsel her
GATHER
GRIP LCCC
Greet; Good morning Ma/ sir ( examiner ) Good morning Ma ( patient
Rapport: how are you doing today
Introduce: my name is “ insert name” a candidate of the ongoing mach exams and for the purpose or the exams, I have been asked to counsel you
Permission: Please may I proceed
Language : is English your preferred language of Communication
C
C
C
Ask
?
Brief biodata: What is your name ? how old are you? what is
your nignest level or education
Patient’s understanding 2 what do you know about febrile
convulsion? Do vou have any worries about this situation?
You shouldn’t be the situation is under control
Define, types, risk factors and clinical presentation
TELL ( DEAR CDT)
Define
febrile convulsion is emergency condition that involves fever and seizures in children usually from 6 months to 5 years , in the absence of a centra nervoussystem or metabolic causes.
2 Types febrile convulsion
Simple and complex
Simple convulsions are generalized, last about 15mins or less and usually 1 episodes in 24hrs and usually have no long term effects.
The complex are focal, involving one part of the body they last more than 15mins and usually more than 1 episodes in 24 hours
Risk Factors
Most common cause is malaria in our environment.
Other causes are: upper respiratory tract infection
Urinary tract infection
Gastrointestinal infection
And family history of convulsion
Clinical presentation
Fever and convulsions or loss of consciousness
And also symptoms of underlying causes eg malaria can present with chills and rigor
For gastrointestinal they can present with abdominal pain vomiting, diarrhea etc.
Complications, Treatment
If symptoms are not managed well, it could lead to
Trauma, skin injury , brain hemorrhage, Aspiration, Airway obstruction
Treatment
Clear surroundings and remove any dangerous objects close to the child,
Turn the child to the left lateral position
Expose and tepid sponge the child with cool water
Bring the child to the hospital
If the seizure is not aborted, we will abort the seizure, using diazepam or IM paraaldehyde. We will also ensure the child is breathing well,
Take samples for diagnosis of malaria
Lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis
Chest x ray
Blood cultures
Urinalysis
Serum electrolyte
Help
Ma, I would advise you to buy mosquito nets, clear bushes and stagnant water around you
I would advise the use of palm oil or any concoction during seizure and also do not place any objects in the child’s mouth
If you notice any fever, tepid sponge, and give antipyretic like paracetamol and bring the child to the hospital for further management
Empathy
I know you might be worried but I want to assure you that this is not a singular case , many children at this age present with symptoms likes this and when treated they turn out healthy and no long term effects
The doctors are also well trained and will manage your child properly
Retell
Do you understand everything I have said so far
Do you have any questions for me
Can you retell in your own words all I have said
Okay I see you understand
I will like to book you for follow up in 2 weeks to ensure your child is doing well.
Thank you ma
Thank examiner
