I'll order the seizure salad

Question 1

What can cause isolated seizures in children?
A) Hypotension
B) Hyperthermia
C) Hyponatremia
D) Lactic acidosis

Answer 1

B)
Most frequently in children it is due to a fever, or hyperthermia.

Question 2

Which type of seizure has both a tonic and clonic phase?
A) Petit mal seizure
B) Grand mal seizure
C) Isolated seizure

Answer 2

B)
Grand mal seizures have both a tonic and clonic phase

Question 3

What is the most critical aspect of a prolonged seizure?
A) Loss of consciousness
B) Hypertension
C) Hypoperfusion
D) Sodium/Potassium imbalance

Answer 3

C)
Oxygen does not reach the brain during prolonged seizures. This can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Question 4

True or False:
A person with a seizure disorder has a 75% chance of being able to wean off of the meds after 3-5 years?

Answer 4

False.
Most epileptic patients will be on meds for the rest of their lives. There is a VERY SMALL chance that their doctor may try to withdraw meds after 3-5 years seizure free.

Question 5

What is the most commonly used medication used for status epilepticus?
A) Benzodiazepines
B) Barbiturates
C) Phenothiazines
D) Phenytoin

Answer 5

D)
Phenytoin is most frequently used for seizures due to its non-addictive nature and low toxic effects.
However, it is teratogenic.

Question 6

Which of the following are SE of Phenytoin? (Select all that apply)
A) Hypothermia
B) Gingival hyperplasia
C) Blood disorders
D) Hypoglycemia
E) Addiction
F) Hyperglycemia

Answer 6

B, C, F
Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, neurologic and psychiatric effects, leukopenia, and hyperglycemia.

Question 7

What lab value should be monitored for a patient that is taking Valproate?
A) CBC
B) BUN
C) AST
D) A1C

Answer 7

C)
Liver labs should be monitored. Valproate can cause hepatotoxicity.

Question 8

Do seizures increase or decrease during pregnancy?
A) Increase
B) Decrease

Answer 8

A)
Seizures increase by 25% with pregnant epileptics.

Question 9

Which population should not take Valproate?
A) Children
B) Geriatric
C) Lactating
D) Menopausal

Answer 9

A)
Children should not take valproic acid because of the increased risk of hepatotoxicity to that population.

Question 10

How long should it take to give an anticonvulsant intravenously?
A) Rapid push
B) 1-5 minutes
C) 2 minutes exactly
D) 3-5 minutes

Answer 10

C)
It should take two minutes to give IV anticonvulsants. Always check in the med guide before medication administration.