NUR 145 Ch. 19 Drug Used for Seizure Disorders Questions and Correct Answers
5 views 0 purchase
Course
NUR 145
Institution
NUR 145
Seizures are a symptom of an abnormality in the nerve cells of the brain. A seizure is a brief period of abnormal electrical activity in these nerve centers. Seizures may be convulsive (i.e. accompanied by violent, involuntary muscle contractions) or non-convulsive. Patients may report an aura prio...
NUR 145 Ch. 19 Drug Used for Seizure
Disorders Questions and Correct
Answers
Seizures ✅are a symptom of an abnormality in the nerve cells of the brain. A seizure is
a brief period of abnormal electrical activity in these nerve centers. Seizures may be
convulsive (i.e. accompanied by violent, involuntary muscle contractions) or non-
convulsive. Patients may report an aura prior to having a seizure.
2 broad categories of seizure disorders: ✅Generalized seizures—affect both brain
hemispheres
Partial seizures—begin in one hemisphere
Causes of seizures include: ✅fever, head injury, brain tumor, meningitis,
hypoglycemia, drug overdose or withdrawal, and poisoning.
ions that affect seizure activity ✅Sodium and calcium
Epilepsy ✅- term used when seizures are chronic & recurrent
- the most common of all neurologic disorders
Classification of Seizures ✅Generalized convulsive seizures
-Tonic-clonic (grand mal)
-Atonic or akinetic
-Myoclonic
Generalized nonconvulsive seizures
-Absence (petit mal): most common generalized
nonconvulsive seizure disorder
-Partial (localized)
Tonic-clonic seizures ✅have a tonic phase, during which sudden intense muscular
contractions occur, and a clonic phase, during which bilateral symmetric jerks occur and
usually end in a postictal state—or recovery phase of flaccid paralysis and sleep.
Atonic seizures ✅sudden loss of muscle tone and dropping of a limb or slumping to the
ground; results in dramatic falls.
Myoclonic seizures ✅lightning-like repetitive contractions of the face, trunk, and
extremities.
, Absence seizures ✅occur primarily in children and disappear at puberty; involve
staring off into space, rhythmic movements of eyes, head, mumbling, chewing, lip-
smacking.
Partial seizures ✅localized convulsions of single body parts such as a finger or
extremity; involves jerking. Subdivided into: partial simple motor (Jacksonian) & partial
complex (Psychomotor)
Status epilepticus ✅- rapidly recurring generalized seizures that do not allow normal
functioning between seizures; may result in death
- medical emergency
Tonic phase ✅patients suddenly develop intense muscular contractions that cause
them to fall to the ground, lose consciouness, and lie rigid.
Clonic phase ✅is manifested by bilaterally symmetrical jerks alternating with the
relaxation of the extremities, then begins.
Posticial state (post-seizure) ✅the seizure phase that involves the resting/recovery of
flaccid paralysis & sleep that last 2-3 hours.
Management of Seizure Activity ✅- Do not leave the patient
- Help patient to horizontal position, protect the head,
loosen tight clothing
- Turn patient to side, allow secretions to drain
- Suction patient, give oxygen as needed
- Provide safety, comfort during postictal stage
- Observe and report all aspects of the seizure
A patient with a history of seizures had experienced a tonic-clonic seizure in the last half
hour and is now very drowsy, but arousable. The family asks if this is a concern. What is
the nurse's best response?
A. "This is a normal occurrence after a seizure. It's called the 'postictal state.'"
B. "This is the atonic stage of a seizure."
C. "This is not a normal part of a seizure. I'll notify the physician."
D. "The medication she was given to stop her seizure shouldn't make her this drowsy."
✅Answer: A
Rationale: After a tonic-clonic seizure, the person is exhausted and occasionally flaccid
and may sleep for several hours. This is a predictable part of a seizure related to the
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller twishfrancis. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $8.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
