A nurse enters a school age child's room to administer morning medications and finds the client sitting in a chair having a seizure. After lowering the client to the floor, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Apply oxygen by nasal cannula.
Administer an anticonvulsant medication.
Turn the client to a lateral position.
Check the client's oxygen saturation.
The Correct Answer is C
C. The priority during a seizure is to protect the patient from harm, particularly from aspiration if they vomit or have excessive saliva production. Turning the client to a lateral position helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration. This action should be taken immediately after lowering the client to the floor to ensure their safety.
A. Providing oxygen is important for a patient experiencing a seizure. However, it's not the first action to take. The priority is to ensure the patient's safety and protect them from injury during the seizure.
B. Administering anticonvulsant medication during an active seizure is not appropriate. Anticonvulsants are typically prescribed as maintenance therapy to prevent seizures or to manage seizure disorders in a controlled manner, not during an acute seizure episode.
D. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but it's not the first action to take during an active seizure. Ensuring the patient's safety and protecting them from injury take precedence. Oxygen saturation can be assessed once the patient is in a safe position.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is a common postictal manifestation after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Following the intense muscle activity and convulsions during the seizure, the child may experience exhaustion and feel sleepy. The postictal state often involves a period of drowsiness or even brief loss of consciousness.
B. Restlessness is less likely to be observed immediately after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Instead, the child is more likely to exhibit fatigue and lethargy as the body recovers from the seizure activity.
C. Anxiety may occur during or immediately after the seizure due to the sudden and frightening nature of the event. However, in the postictal period, anxiety typically diminishes as the child becomes more oriented and aware of their surroundings.
D. Nausea is not a typical postictal manifestation after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. While some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting during the seizure (ictal phase), it is less common in the postictal period.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Salicylates, such as aspirin, should be avoided in children and adolescents with viral symptoms due to the association with Reye's syndrome. Instead, acetaminophen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without salicylates should be used for fever and pain relief.
A. Reye's syndrome typically presents with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and lethargy. However, there isn't a specific test for Reye's syndrome itself. Diagnosis is often based on clinical symptoms, history of aspirin use, and laboratory findings.
B. Reye's syndrome is associated with the use of aspirin (salicylates) in children and adolescents with viral infections, particularly influenza and chickenpox. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended instead of aspirin for fever and pain relief in children with viral illnesses.
D. There isn't a specific vaccine for Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is not caused by an infectious agent that can be prevented through vaccination.
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