A child with epilepsy has been seizure free for 2 years. A father asks the nurse how much longer the child will need to take the anti-seizure medications. The nurse includes which of the following in the response?
A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually.
Your child will always suffer seizures
This is always a hereditary disorder
Only her male offspring will experience seizures
The Correct Answer is A
A) A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually.
Explanation:
After a certain period of seizure control, a healthcare provider may consider gradually tapering and discontinuing anti-seizure medications in consultation with the child's neurologist. This is often done in a step-wise manner to monitor the child's condition and minimize the risk of seizure recurrence. Stopping anti-seizure medications abruptly can increase the risk of seizures returning. Therefore, the response provided in option A is the most accurate and relevant to the situation.
The other options are incorrect:
B) Your child will always suffer seizures:
This statement is not accurate, as some children with epilepsy can achieve long-term seizure control with appropriate treatment. Epilepsy management varies from person to person, and many individuals can experience extended periods of seizure freedom.
C) This is always a hereditary disorder:
Epilepsy can have both genetic and non-genetic causes. While there are genetic forms of epilepsy, not all cases are hereditary. Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain injuries, infections, and other medical conditions.
D) Only her male offspring will experience seizures:
Epilepsy does not discriminate based on gender. Both males and females can be affected by epilepsy. This statement is not accurate and does not reflect the reality of epilepsy as a medical condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Levothyroxine
Correct Answer: Levothyroxine should be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It needs to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, to ensure proper absorption. Food can interfere with its absorption, especially foods containing calcium, iron, and fiber.
B. Digoxin
Incorrect Explanation: Digoxin does not need to be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions like congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It doesn't have specific instructions regarding administration in relation to meals. It's important to administer digoxin consistently at the same time every day, but it doesn't need to be taken specifically before or after breakfast.
C. Divalproex
Incorrect Explanation: Divalproex does not need to be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Divalproex is used to treat conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It can be taken with or without food. While taking it with food might reduce the likelihood of stomach upset, there's no requirement to take it specifically before breakfast.
D. Mycostatin Mouthwash
Incorrect Explanation: Mycostatin mouthwash is not related to breakfast timing.
Explanation: Mycostatin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush). Its administration is not linked to meal times. It's typically swished around in the mouth and then swallowed or spit out, depending on the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Reflexes play a crucial role in evaluating the neurological status of infants.
Moro reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, the Moro reflex is a normal response in infants. It occurs when an infant is startled by a sudden noise or movement. The baby responds by extending their arms and legs, followed by a quick contraction. This reflex usually disappears around 4-6 months of age.
Tonic neck reflex (fencer's reflex): This reflex involves turning an infant's head to one side, causing the arm on that side to extend and the opposite arm to flex. It's a normal reflex that typically disappears around 4-6 months of age.
Withdrawal reflex: The withdrawal reflex is a normal response to a stimulus, such as touching a baby's foot with a cold object. The baby will pull their leg away in response to the stimulus.
Symptomatic of decorticate or decerebrate posturing (options A and B):
Decorticate and decerebrate posturing are abnormal postures seen in individuals with severe brain damage or injury. Decorticate posturing involves the arms being flexed and held close to the body, while decerebrate posturing involves the arms being extended and the wrists being pronated. These reflexes are typically indicative of significant neurological dysfunction and are not expected in a 2-month-old infant after a car accident.
Indicators of severe brain damage (option C):
The reflexes described (Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes) are not indicative of severe brain damage in a 2-month-old infant. These reflexes are normal for an infant of this age and are part of their typical neurological development.
Normal findings (option D):
The reflexes described are normal findings in a 2-month-old infant and are expected as part of their developmental milestones.
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