Which prescribed intervention should the emergency department nurse implement first for a patient who is experiencing continuous tonic-clonic seizures?
Monitor level of consciousness (LOC)
Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 4 mg IV.
Obtain computed tomography (CT) scan.
Give phenytoin (Dilantin) 100 mg IV.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Monitor level of consciousness (LOC): While monitoring the patient's level of consciousness is important, administering medication to stop the seizure takes precedence to prevent potential complications associated with prolonged seizure activity.
B. Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 4 mg IV: The priority in managing continuous tonic-clonic seizures is to terminate the seizure activity promptly. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can help to abort seizures and is often used as first-line treatment in the acute setting.
C. Obtain computed tomography (CT) scan: While obtaining diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan may be necessary to evaluate for underlying causes of the seizure, it is not the first
intervention in the acute management of continuous seizures. Stabilizing the patient and stopping the seizure activity take precedence.
D. Give phenytoin (Dilantin) 100 mg IV: Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication that is used for long-term management of seizures but is not typically administered as first-line treatment during an acute seizure episode. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam are preferred for immediate seizure control.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. It is not typically assessed through neck flexion in the context of meningitis.
B. Kernig's sign: Kernig's sign is assessed by flexing the patient's hip and knee and then attempting to extend the knee. Resistance or pain during knee extension suggests meningeal irritation, but it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs.
C. Nuchal rigidity: Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness and pain in the neck and inability to flex the neck forward due to inflammation of the meninges. While it is related to meningitis, it does not involve involuntary flexion of the legs.
D. Brudzinski's sign: Brudzinski's sign is a physical exam finding where passive flexion of the neck results in involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. It is a classic sign of meningeal irritation, often seen in meningitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Oral Levetiracetam: Oral medications are not appropriate for immediate seizure management during an active seizure. Intravenous medications are typically used for acute seizure management.
B. IV Lorazepam: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used as a first-line medication for terminating acute seizures. It acts quickly to suppress seizure activity and is often administered intravenously during a seizure episode.
C. IV Ondansetron: Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting and is not indicated for seizure management.
D. Magnesium Sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is not typically used for seizure management in the acute setting. It may be used for certain types of seizures or as a treatment for eclampsia, but it is not a first-line medication for acute seizure termination.
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