Seizure Disorder

Question 1

seizure

Answer 1

uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in brian

Question 2

what are the 3 major classes of seizures?

Answer 2

generalized, focal, and unknown onset

Question 3

what are the potential phases seizures can occur?

Answer 3

prodromal, aural, ictal, postictal

Question 4

what are the generalized-onset seizures?

Answer 4

tonic-clonic; absence; atypical absence; myoclonic

Question 5

tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 5

loss of unconsciousness; body stiffens with subsequent jerking of extremities; postictal phase characterized by muscle soreness, fatigue

Question 6

symptoms of tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 6

cyanosis; excessive salvation and tongue or cheek biting; incontinence

Question 7

absence seizure

Answer 7

common in children; brief staring spell, lasts <10 seconds

Question 8

atypical absence seizure

Answer 8

staring spell; eye blinking; jerking movements of the lips; lasts >10 seconds; usually continues with adulthood

Question 9

myoclonic seizure

Answer 9

characterized by rhythmic arm abduction (3 movements per second) leading to progressive arm elevation; 10-60 seconds; jerking eyelids

Question 10

focal-onset seizure

Answer 10

begin in specific region of cortex in one hemisphere of brain; produce manifestations based on function of area of brain involved: sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional

Question 11

what are the different types of focal-onset seizures

Answer 11

awareness and impaired awareness

Question 12

focal awareness seizures

Answer 12

patients remain conscious and alert; sudden and unexplainable feelings of joy, anger, sadness, or nausea; may hear, smell, taste, see, or feel things that are not real

Question 13

psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)

Answer 13

may look like epileptic seizures but are not epileptic because they are caused by psychological factor

Question 14

status epilepticus

Answer 14

state of continuous seizure activity or condition when seizures recur in rapid succession without return to consciousness between seizures; any seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes; permanent brain damage may result

Question 15

convulsive status epilepticus

Answer 15

prolonged or repeated tonic-clonic seizures; can lead to fatal respiratory insufficiency, hypoxemia, dysrhythmias, hyperthermia, and systemic acidosis

Question 16

complications of nonconvulsive status epilepticus

Answer 16

long or repeated focal impaired awareness seizures

Question 17

refractory status epilepticus (RSE)

Answer 17

continuous seizure activity despite administration of first and second line therapy

Question 18

complications of seizures

Answer 18

severe injury and death; sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (cause unknown and usually tonic/clonic seizures); depression, social stigma still exists, discrimination in employment and educational opportunities, driving sanctions

Question 19

intermediate medical care is needed if…

Answer 19

status epilepticus occurs; significant bodily harm occurs; first-time

Question 20

gerontologic considerations of antiseizure medication

Answer 20

more likely to have SE at lower doses; phenytoin may be problematic for older adults with compromised liver function; phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and primidone may negatively affect cognitive function

Question 21

vagal nerve nerve stimulation

Answer 21

pacemaker for the brain

Question 22

precipitating factors of seizures

Answer 22

metabolic acidosis/alkalosis; hyperkalemia; hypoglycemia; dehydration; water intoxication

Question 23

priority problems for seizures

Answer 23

impaired breathing

Question 24

planning for seizures

Answer 24

be free from injury during seizure; have optimal mental and physical functioning

Question 25

acute care during seizure

Answer 25

provide privacy; ensure patient airway; protect pateint from injury; do not restrain patient; remove or loosen tight clothing; establish IV access; stay with patient until seizure has passed; anticipate giving IV medications: LORAZEPAM, DIAZEPAM, DILANTIN; afterwards anticipate suction or O2 or intubation; observe

Question 26

after seizure monitoring

Answer 26

vital signs; LOC; GCS; pupils; reassure and oreint patient after seizure; BG