Seizures & Fits

Question 1

If a patient is experiencing a seizure or fit, what may be noticed during assessment of airway?

Answer 1

• airway may be compromised
  
  • hypoxia
  • loss of airway tone

Question 2

If a patient is experiencing a seizure or fit, what may be noticed during assessment of breathing?

Answer 2

varies from patient to patient

Question 3

If a patient is experiencing a seizure or fit, what may be noticed during assessment of circulation?

Answer 3

• varies from patient to patient
  
  • sometimes hypotension

Question 4

If a patient is experiencing a seizure or fit, what may be noticed during assessment of disability?

Answer 4

• the patient is unresponsive
• loss of consciousness

Question 5

If a patient is experiencing a seizure or fit, what may be noticed during assessment of exposure?

Answer 5

• seizure activity
  
  • uncontrollable muscle spasms
  • drooling
  • tonic
    
    • falls rigid
  • clonic
    
    • sharp, jerky movements
• incontinence

Question 6

What can be done in practice to treat seizures or fits?

Answer 6

• ensure the patient is in a safe environment
• midazolam
  • via buccal mucosa
  • if prolonged

Question 7

What quantity of midazolam should be used for patients experiencing a prolonged seizure or fit?

Answer 7

10mg

Question 8

What kind of medication is midazolam?

Answer 8

short acting benzodiazepine

Question 9

What is the action of midazolam?

Answer 9

• enhances the effect of GABA (neurotransmitter)
  
  • on GABA receptors
• results in neural inhibition

Question 10

If a seizure or fit subsides what should be done?

Answer 10

• oxygen administered
• patient in recovery position
• check airway

Question 11

When should a referral be made to hospital for a patient that has had a seizure or fit?

Answer 11

• refer to hospital if:
  
  • first seizure
  • seizure is atypical
  • injury was caused
  • difficulty monitoring patient