The parents of a pediatric client describe occasional episodes where the client seems to experience a temporary loss of awareness and a blank stare. The nurse suspects which of the following disorders?

Focal awareness seizure

Absence seizure

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Tonic clonic seizure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Focal awareness seizure:
Focal awareness seizures (formerly known as simple partial seizures) involve abnormal electrical activity in a specific area of the brain. These seizures typically cause motor symptoms (such as jerking or twitching in one part of the body) or sensory disturbances (like tingling or visual changes), but the person remains fully aware during the episode. The client’s presentation of a temporary loss of awareness and blank stare is more consistent with an absence seizure than a focal awareness seizure, as focal seizures do not cause a loss of consciousness.

B. Absence seizure:
Absence seizures are a type of generalized seizure often seen in children. These seizures are characterized by a sudden, brief loss of awareness, typically lasting only a few seconds. During the episode, the child may exhibit a blank stare and seem unresponsive, often without any noticeable physical movements. These seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming or inattention, but they can be diagnosed with an EEG (electroencephalogram) showing characteristic patterns. This description matches the parents’ observations of occasional episodes of loss of awareness and a blank stare.

C. Transient ischemic attack (TIA):
A TIA, also known as a mini-stroke, involves temporary neurological symptoms due to a brief disruption in blood flow to the brain. However, TIAs usually last longer than the brief episodes of loss of awareness described in this case, and they are more likely to cause focal neurological not just a transient loss of awareness. Additionally, TIAs are much less common in children and are usually associated with other risk factors like cardiovascular disease or clotting disorders.

D. Tonic clonic seizure:
Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) involve generalized shaking or convulsions, loss of consciousness, and can last from 1 to 3 minutes. These seizures are usually much more dramatic and prolonged compared to the brief, absence-like episodes described here. While they do involve a loss of awareness, the physical manifestations (muscle stiffening and jerking) and duration are distinctively different from the blank stare and brief loss of awareness typical of an absence seizure.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Wear a HEPA/N95 mask while providing care to the client:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious airborne disease, and healthcare workers caring for patients with active TB must wear a HEPA/N95 mask to protect themselves from inhaling the bacteria. These specialized masks filter out airborne particles, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be spread through droplets when the patient coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing an N95 mask is an essential part of airborne precautions in the care of TB patients.

B) Instruct the nursing assistant to wear a surgical mask when entering the client's room:
A surgical mask does not offer adequate protection against airborne pathogens like the tuberculosis bacteria. While surgical masks can block large droplets, they do not filter out smaller, airborne particles, such as those from TB. N95/HEPA masks are necessary for anyone entering the room of a patient with active tuberculosis, including nursing assistants, to ensure they are protected from inhaling infectious particles.

C) Ensure the client is in a positive pressure room:
A positive pressure room is typically used for patients who are immunocompromised, such as those with neutropenia or undergoing organ transplants, to prevent infection from the environment. However, negative pressure rooms are required for patients with airborne diseases like tuberculosis. A negative pressure room ensures that air flows into the room but does not leave, containing any airborne pathogens and preventing their spread to other areas of the facility.

D) Have the client wear a HEPA/N95 mask when outside of their room:
If the client with active tuberculosis needs to leave their room for medical procedures or testing, they should wear a HEPA/N95 mask to prevent spreading the bacteria to others through airborne transmission. This helps limit exposure to other individuals, as TB can be transmitted by airborne particles.

A. "The procedure can help determine whether your stroke was caused by a clot or by bleeding B. The procedure can help identify which part of the brain seizure activity is coming from. C. "The procedure helps evaluate nerve function to your extremities D. The procedure shows images of your heart’s electrical activity.'

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) "The procedure can help determine whether your stroke was caused by a clot or by bleeding": This statement is incorrect. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain, not to assess stroke-related causes. To determine whether a stroke was caused by a clot or bleeding, imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI are typically used, not an EEG.

B) "The procedure can help identify which part of the brain seizure activity is coming from": This is the correct response. An EEG records electrical activity in the brain and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. It can help pinpoint the area of the brain where abnormal electrical activity, such as that seen in seizures, is originating. This makes it an invaluable tool for understanding seizure disorders.

C) "The procedure helps evaluate nerve function to your extremities": This statement is inaccurate. An EEG does not assess nerve function to the extremities. Tests like nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) are used to evaluate peripheral nerve function, whereas an EEG specifically measures electrical activity in the brain.

D) "The procedure shows images of your heart’s electrical activity": This statement is incorrect. An EEG measures brain electrical activity, not the heart's. To assess the heart's electrical activity, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used. Therefore, an EEG and an ECG serve very different purposes.

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The parents of a pediatric client describe occasional episodes where the client seems to experience a temporary loss of awareness and a blank stare. The nurse suspects which of the following disorders?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a client for an electroencephalogram (EEG). When the client asks what the purpose of the procedure is, what is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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