Seizures. Flashcards
Explain what sudden unexpected death in epilepsy means.
Sudden death caused or triggered by a seizure that was completely unexpected.
How many adults does sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy effect?
1 in 1000 adults.
How many children does sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy effect?
1 in 4500 children.
Is it possible for a person to swallow their tongue during a seizure?
No. It is impossible for a person to swallow their own tongue.
Explain the post seizure process,
Full a-e assessment, securing persons airway and resuscitating, administering oxygen, assessing cardio respiratory function, establish IV access, tailored drug therapy, emergency investigations.
What should a nurse also do following on from when a person has suffered a seizure?
Refer for a higher level of care.
Explain how you would put an infant into the recovery position.
Cradle in arms with head tilted downwards (baby on side, tilted upside down).
Explain how you would put someone in the recovery position.
Placed on their side, arm off ground supporting head, leg off ground bent at the knee to support the body, chin lifted and mouth open to Crain any fluid.
What should you do for seizure first aid in children?
Remove dangerous objects, DO NOT RESTRAIN, monitor, call for help and recovery position post seizure.
What should you do for seizure first aid in adults?
Make space, support the head, monitor the airway, time the seizure and DO NOT RESTRAIN.
What shied you look for in seizure first aid in adults?
Sudden unresponsiveness, jerking, rigid body, arched back, noisy and difficult breathing, saliva at mouth, loss of bladder and bowel control.
What should you do following on from a seizure?
Check for signs of life, ABCDE, if not fully conscious put them in the recovery position, wipe face and cover incontinence if possible, keep nil by mouth until fully conscious. Stay with them, offer reassurance.
What increases the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy?
Absence/myoclonic seizures, generalised tonic-clinic seizure, 1-2 seizures in 1 year increases the chance of dying by 5 times.
What should you look for in seizure first aid in children?
Vigorous shaking, fever, arched back, clenched fists, breath holding.
Seizure first aid in infants, what should you look for?
Vigorous shaking, face twitching, arching back, vomiting, clenched fists, flushed skin/sweating.
