Seizure

Question 1

What is the definition of a seizure?

Answer 1

o Involuntary muscle spasms and loss of consciousness

Question 2

Causes?

Answer 2

o Some patients have seizures as a dialysis side effect (severe hypotension, dialysis disequilibrium syndrome) or seizures may occur during dialysis as an adverse reaction to a problem such as the use of improperly prepared dialysate. Some patients may have a pre‐existing seizure disorder.

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

o Change in level of consciousness, twitching and jerking movements of the extremities

Question 4

Intervention?

Answer 4

o Protect patient and access arm from harm, protect airway, treat hypotension, dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, and hypoglycemia if indicated, administer oxygen, provide airway support, and discontinue dialysis if no response to interventions

Question 5

Prevention?

Answer 5

o Prevent hypotension, prevent large drops in BUN, monitor for therapeutic drug levels in patients with pre-existing condition