Video Library
Drugs Used for Seizure Disorders > Pharmacology
Exam Review
Practice Exercise 1
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreThe nurse witnesses a patient’s seizure involving generalized contraction of the body followed by jerkiness of the arms and legs. The nurse reports that this is which type of seizure?
Anticonvulsants fall into several major classes, including:
A patient was recently diagnosed with epilepsy by a healthcare provider after having experienced multiple episodes of convulsions accompanied by loss of consciousness.
The nurse witnesses the patient from the scenario with epilepsy as the patient suddenly had spasms of his arms and legs, falling to the floor. The patient initially lost consciousness and was quite groggy when he woke up. Which type of seizure will be documented by the nurse?
An infant is brought to the emergency department with observable twitching of the extremities and a temperature of 104.2°F as reported by his parents. The nurse will need to attend the infant.
Click to indicate the appropriate (necessary) action to take, or the not appropriate action (could be harmful).
Explanation
Infants with high fevers are at risk of developing febrile seizures, which may present with twitching of the extremities, loss of consciousness, or altered responsiveness. In the emergency setting, the nurse’s priority is to maintain airway patency, ensure safety, assess vital signs, and administer prescribed therapy while monitoring the infant’s response.
Rationale for correct answers:
Taking the infant’s vital signs is essential to monitor the severity of fever and overall physiological status.
Administering antiepileptic drugs as ordered is appropriate to control seizure activity.
Assessing the airway is crucial because infants are at high risk for airway obstruction during seizures.
Monitoring the response to therapy ensures the medication is effective and guides further treatment.
Protecting the infant from injury prevents harm from sudden movements during seizures, and having emergency equipment available ensures immediate intervention if the seizure escalates.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
Leaving the infant and mother for privacy is inappropriate during active seizure activity as continuous observation is needed to ensure safety.
Restraining the infant and tightly swaddling can cause injury, restrict movement, and worsen seizure-related trauma.
Take-home points:
• Active seizure management in infants requires airway protection, injury prevention, and continuous monitoring.
• Antiepileptic drugs should be administered as prescribed, but safety and observation take priority.
• Never leave a seizing infant unattended, and avoid restraining them during a seizure.
When caring for a patient with epilepsy who is hospitalized and is recovering from a seizure, what are the expected assessments/ interventions by the nurse during the postictal time? Select all that apply
Sign Up or Login to view all the 5 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Naxlex’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now
