Medical Emergencies Flashcards
Causes for Seizures
Brain Tumor
Congenital Brain defects
Infection
Idiopathic (disease with no cause)
Epilepsy
Hypoxia
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injury
Toxins
Hypoglycemia
Petit Mal/ Focal Seizure
Often preceded by certain experiences, known as aura
These may include; sensory, visual, psychic, autonomic, olfactory or motor phenomena
In a complex partial seizure a person may appear confused or dazed and can not respond to questions or direction
Focal seizure may become generalized
Types of Generalized Seizures (6 types)
Tonic-Clonic seizures
-present with a contraction of the limbs followed by their extension, along with arching of the back for 10-30 seconds
Tonic seizures
-produce constant contractions if the muscle
Clonic seizures
-involve shaking if the limbs in unison
Myoclonic seizures
-involved spasm of muscles in either a few areas of generalized through the body
Atomic seizures
-involve the loss of muscle activity for greater than one second, typically occurs bilaterally
Absence seizures
-can be subtle, with only a slight turn if the head or eye blinking
Absence mind seizure (signs and symptoms)
Patient stares blankly into space, with the loss of neuro functions
No seizure activity is noted
looks like patient is daydreaming
Febrile Seizure
Seizure that happens due to the presence of high fever
most common cause of seizures in children is when they are having high fever
Status Epilepticus
Repeated seizures
Uncontrollable
Patient does not regain consciousness between them
Postictal Phase
Disorientation or confusion phase one seizure stops
Some patients will be very tired and drowsy
Follows after almost all seizures
-the longer the seizure, the longer the phase
Patient will remain in postictal phase for some time until body balances itself out
Once patient regains consciousness, postictal phase over
Eclampsia (seizure)
happens to a patient when they are ante partum or post partum
Seizures treatment
protect patient from harm
-remove hazards from the patient’s immediate area
-avoid unnecessary physical restraint
Perform initial assessment, assuring that the patient’s airway is open, suction airway as needed
-avoid vagal stimulation during suctioning because this may cause vomiting
Assure that breathing and circulation are adequate and administer high concentration oxygen
Position patient on their side if no possibility of spinal trauma
Treat injuries sustained
obtain BGL bc seizure may have burned off a lot of sugar
prepare for more seizures and transfer in position of comfort
Anaphylaxis (definition, signs and symptoms)
Definition - serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death
Signs and Symptoms
-Wheezing itchy rash (urticaria), laryngeal edema, tongue swelling, shortness of breath, audible stridor, vomiting, hypotension and tachycardia
