Seizure Disorders

Question 1

Seizures: Transient, uncontrolled electrical discharge of ________ in brain that interrupts normal function

Answer 1

Neurons

Question 2

What are the two types of generalized onset seizures?

Answer 2

Tonic-Clonic, Absence

Question 3

What differentiates focal-onset seizures?

Answer 3

retained vs impaired awareness

Question 4

What happens in the tonic period of a tonic-clonic seizure?

What happens in the clonic period of a tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer 4

Stiffening for 10-20 seconds

Jerking for 30-40 seconds

Question 5

Y/N: A patient will remember having a tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

What happens in the post-ictal phase of a tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer 6

Patient may sleep for hours

Question 7

What happens during an absence seizure?

Answer 7

Brief staring spell that resembles
daydreaming; last less than 10
seconds; unresponsive when
spoken to during seizure

thats so raven

Question 8

During a focal onset seizure, a patient may (SATA):

a) Experience emotions like joy, sadness, anger, nausea
b) walk into traffic or take off clothes
c) lose consciousness
d) hear smell or taste things that aren’t real
e) experience symptoms for longer than 1 minute

Answer 8

A, B, D

Question 9

In relation to affected hemispheres of the brain, what is the difference between generalized seizures and focal onset seizures?

Answer 9

Generalized are both sides, focal onset are one

Question 10

What are the four phases of a seizure in order?

Answer 10

Prodromal, Aural, Ictal, Post-ictal

Question 11

What is an important consideration for seizure first aid?

Answer 11

Maintain ABC’s

Question 12

Ways to maintain safety during a seizure:

Answer 12

▪ Pad bed rails? (agency policy varies)
▪ Do not force objects into mouth
▪ Do not restrain movements unless it is placing patient in danger
▪ Stay with person until seizure ends
▪ Turn head to side “if” possible (Don’t force it)

Question 13

Monitor during a seizure:

Answer 13

▪ VS, LOC, SpO2, GCS, pupil size & reactivity
▪ Time: onset & duration of seizure
▪ Accurate documentation
▪ (Cyanosis seen in tonic-clonic seizures usually self-limiting)

Question 14

T/F After a seizure, a patient should be kept awake?

Answer 14

F, ▪ Let the person rest until he is fully awake.

▪ Be reassuring and supportive when patient is awake

Question 15

What classifies seizure activity as being a medical emergency? (Time/amount)

Answer 15

seizure lasting over 5 minutes, back to back seizures within 30 minutes

Question 16

If you think a seizure classifies as a medical emergency which medical team should you call?

Answer 16

Rapid response team

Question 17

Status epilepticus drugs of choice?

Answer 17

IV lorazepam or diazepam

Question 18

Seizures lasting over how many minutes can cause death?

Answer 18

10

Question 19

Drug class to manage seizures?

Answer 19

Anti-epileptic

Question 20

What happens if anti-epileptic meds are abruptly stopped?

Answer 20

increased risk of seizures

Adherence is important!

Question 21

What is a classic side effect of phenytoin?

Answer 21

Gingival hyperplasia

Question 22

What nerve can be stimulated as a treatment for seizures?

Answer 22

Vagus nerve

Question 23

How could legal issues affect someone who is prone to seizures?

Answer 23

Driving laws requiring abstinence after a seizure (varies by state)