seizures Flashcards
what are seizures
- abnormal brain activity in the nerve cells (dysrhythmias in the brain, brain fucks around and finds out)
- may or may not be visible
- abnormal EEG patterns
what are some possible causes of seizures
- hypoglycemia
- electrolytes (low Na)
- med overdose
- med/alcohol withdrawal
- secondary (something provoked the seizure)
- idiopathic (no idea why)
describe a partial seizure
- specific area
- symptoms range from simple motor and sensory manifestations to bizarre behavior (chewing, vacant stare, pill rolling)
- consciousness not impaired
describe a generalized seizure
- nonspecific area of brain
- manifestations: tonic clonic movements
- brief but intense
- status epilepticus
- absent seizures (less common, staring off, unresponsive)
describe tonic-clonic movement
- tonic: sustained msuscle contraction, abnormal postures
- clonic: rapid rhythmic jerking movements
describe status epilepticus
- life threatening emergency
- repeated or prolonged seizures for 30mins or more
true or false
seizures may come from hyperkalemia
false
hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, fever, drug OD, head injuries, or tumors be some causes of seizures
a patient is having a seizure for longer than 30mins. what type of seizure is the patient experiencing?
- tonic only seizure
- absence seizure
- atonic seizure
- status epilepticus
- status epilepticus
this is a life threatening emergency with seizures lasting for several minutes
name a barbituate
phenobarbital
describe the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital
- may take 3 weeks to reach therapeutic levels
- PO, IV, IM
describe the action of phenobarbital
- depresses CNS
- inhibits conduction
what are some uses of phenobarbital
- generalized seizures
- partial seizures
- for maintenance
what are some adverse effects of phenobarbital
- CNS depression/sedation
- stevens-johnson syndrome (severe rash)
- status epilepticus with studden withdrawal
black box warning: suicidal ideation
what are some nursing implications of phenobarbital
- monitor for CNS depression (vitals, resp, LOC)
- many drug-drug interactions like: opioids, steroids, oral birth control, oral anticoagulants, antidepressants, alcohol
describe patient education for phenobarbital
- do not stop aburptly
- have serum level monitored
- may cause drowsiness
- barrier contraceptive
- wear medical alert bracelet
name some benzodiazepines
diazepam, lorazepam
how can diazepam be given
PO, IV, IM
describe the action of diazepam
increases GABA at receptor site
whats diazepam used for
- seizures, status epilepticus (emergent)
- broad range of other uses
what are some adverse effects of diazepam
- CNS depression
- confusion
- bradycardia, hypotension
black box warning: combined with opioids - life threatening respiratory depression