The nurse is caring for a client with Graves' disease. The nurse understands that which of the following statements is true regarding this disorder?

A. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, and an acute condition is not typically the cause of seizures in people with epilepsy.
B. While a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) is a medical emergency, it does not define epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed based on recurrent, unprovoked seizures, not the duration of a single seizure.
C. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart. This is the key criterion for the diagnosis of epilepsy, which is a chronic condition.
D. While it's true that some forms of epilepsy may not have a known cause, many cases of epilepsy have identifiable causes, such as brain injury, genetic factors, or structural abnormalities. The diagnosis of epilepsy is not solely based on the absence of a known cause for seizures.

A. It is important for the client with diabetes to continue taking their insulin as prescribed, even if they are unable to eat. When the body is under stress (e.g., due to illness), blood sugar levels can rise, and insulin is still necessary to manage glucose levels. Skipping insulin could lead to hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening. The nurse should encourage the client to continue insulin therapy and consider alternative ways to manage nausea (e.g., antiemetics).
B. While it is important for the client to monitor their blood glucose, checking it twice a day may not be sufficient during illness. The client should check their blood glucose more frequently (e.g., every 4 hours) to avoid the risk of hyperglycemia or DKA, especially if they are not eating or drinking regularly.
C. When a person with diabetes is ill and unable to eat, it is important to ensure they stay hydrated and maintain glucose levels. Clear liquids such as soda or fruit juice may help with hydration and provide a quick source of sugar if the blood glucose drops too low, though they should be consumed in moderation.
D. It is essential for the client to stay hydrated, especially if they are vomiting. Dehydration can worsen blood sugar control and lead to further complications. The client should be encouraged to drink small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated.