week 4 - seizures

Question 1

What defines a seizure?

Answer 1

A seizure is an excessive and synchronous discharge of a group of cortical neurons leading to a clinically discernible event.

Question 2

What is epilepsy?

Answer 2

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

Question 3

Name the three features that classify seizures.

Answer 3

1) Onset (where they start in the brain)
2) Awareness (affected or not)
3) Symptoms (such as movement involvement)

Question 4

What are the types of seizures?

Answer 4

1) Focal Onset
2) Generalized Onset
3) Unknown Onset

Question 5

What tests are used to evaluate seizure disorders?

Answer 5

CT, MRI, EEG, serum anticonvulsant levels, and bloodwork.

Question 6

What is the purpose of antiseizure medications?

Answer 6

o depress abnormal neuronal discharges and prevent the spread of seizures.

Question 6

What is Status Epilepticus?

Answer 6

Prolonged seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or repeated seizures over 30 minutes—a medical emergency.

Question 7

What is important to monitor when a patient is on antiseizure medications?

Answer 7

Renal and liver function, signs of toxicity, and maintaining therapeutic serum levels.

Question 8

What should you do if a patient has a seizure?

Answer 8

Stay with them, protect their head, loosen clothing, do not restrain them, and turn them to the side if possible.

Question 9

What safety measures should be taken for a patient at risk for seizures?

Answer 9

Oxygen and suction equipment, padded side rails, and a patent airway.

Question 10

What are the four stages of a seizure?

Answer 10

1) Prodromal
2) Aura
3) Ictus
4) Postictal

Question 11

What are key points to include in patient education for those on antiseizure medications?

Answer 11

Take medications as prescribed, avoid alcohol, wear a medical alert bracelet, and maintain good oral hygiene.

Question 12

What are the four stages of seizures?

Answer 12

Prodromal, Aura, Ictus, Postictal.

Question 13

What nursing interventions can support a patient with epilepsy?

Answer 13

Educate on safety, medication adherence, and strategies for stress management.

Question 14

What factors can trigger seizures?

Answer 14

Sleep deprivation, stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and noncompliance with medication.

Question 15

What occurs during the Prodromal stage of a seizure?

Answer 15

Signs/symptoms that precede a seizure, such as mood changes, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating.

Question 16

What is an Aura in relation to seizures?

Answer 16

A warning sign just before a seizure, which can include sensations like déjà vu, visual disturbances, or unusual smells.

Question 17

What happens during the Ictus stage of a seizure?

Answer 17

The actual seizure activity, characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to various symptoms depending on the seizure type.

Question 18

Describe the Postictal stage of a seizure.

Answer 18

The recovery phase after a seizure, where the patient may feel exhausted, confused, or experience muscle soreness.

Question 19

What are focal seizures?

Answer 19

Seizures that originate in one area of the brain and may affect awareness; they can involve motor or non-motor symptoms.

Question 20

What defines generalized seizures?

Answer 20

Seizures that involve both sides of the brain from the onset, often affecting consciousness; includes types like tonic-clonic and absence seizures.

Question 21

What are unknown onset seizures?

Answer 21

Seizures where the onset is unclear, and they may not fit into the categories of focal or generalized.

Question 22

Name three features of focal seizures.

Answer 22

1. Can occur with or without awareness.
2. May cause involuntary movements.
3. Can have sensory or autonomic symptoms.

Question 23

Name three features of generalized seizures.

Answer 23

1. Always involve loss of consciousness.
2. Can cause muscle stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic).
3. Typically last a few minutes.

Question 24

What is the significance of the Ictus stage in a seizure?

Answer 24

It is when the seizure is occurring, and understanding its manifestations is crucial for appropriate intervention.

Question 25

How can the Postictal state vary between individuals?

Answer 25

Recovery can include confusion, fatigue, headache, or complete disorientation, which can last minutes to hours.