The nurse is talking with a client newly diagnosed with epilepsy who asks, "How do you know I have epilepsy instead of just a seizure?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Because an acute condition has caused the seizures you have had.
When a client has had a seizure that has lasted more than 5 minutes.
When a client has a history of 2 or more seizures more than 24 hours apart.
Because there is no known cause for the seizures you have had
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) is correct to question as an initial treatment in status epilepticus. While fosphenytoin is used to prevent further seizures once initial control is achieved, it does not act quickly enough to stop active seizures. Therefore, it is not the first-line medication during the acute phase and should be questioned if ordered as the initial intervention.
B. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine and is one of the first-line treatments for status epilepticus due to its rapid onset of action.
C. Phenobarbital can be used if benzodiazepines and phenytoin/fosphenytoin fail to control seizures, making it an appropriate option in refractory cases.
D. Diazepam is also a benzodiazepine effective for the acute management of status epilepticus, typically administered intravenously or rectally for rapid effect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Donepezil (Aricept) does not stop or cure Alzheimer's disease. It helps to manage symptoms, but it does not halt the progression of the disease. The disease will still progress, but the medication may help improve cognitive function and slow down symptom deterioration temporarily.
B. Donepezil may take several weeks to months to show any noticeable effects. Immediate improvements in cognitive function are unlikely, and it should not be expected to cause quick or dramatic changes in thinking.
C. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, which helps to improve communication between nerve cells. It helps manage the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as memory loss and confusion, but does not cure or prevent the disease.
D. Donepezil works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By doing this, it helps increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, rather than slowing its uptake. This increased availability can help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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