NUR 221 EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
Abnormal, sudden, electrical signals fired from neurons within the brain, may be either
generalized or focal - ANSWER-seizure disorders
Contributing factors for seizures (7 things, SATA question) - ANSWER-sleep loss,
electrolyte imbalance, infection (meningitis), drug or etoh withdrawal, trauma (head
injury), brain tumors, high fever
Generalized seizures have discharge from - ANSWER-both hemispheres
Tonic - Clonic seizures - ANSWER-violent muscle contractions, lose conciousness,
stiffening of body and jerky spasms
Absence seizures - ANSWER-seem disconnected from people around them, don't know
they've happened
When a patient has a blank stare and interruption of activity for a few seconds, they've
most likely had what? - ANSWER-absence seizure
Myoclonic seizure - ANSWER-muscles & extremities sudden jerk - feel as if been
shocked
Atonic seizures - ANSWER-loss of muscle tone, common in children, suddenly fall
Partial seizures - initial activation of - ANSWER-part of one hemisphere aka focal
Complex seizures - ANSWER-automatisms - consciousness is lost or impaired
Simple seizures - ANSWER-consciousness is maintained
Automatisms - ANSWER-can't interact, have no memory after, look awake, repetitive
movement like smacking of the lips
Simple seizure - ANSWER-cause & trigger is usually stress, look like uncontrolled
muscular jerks in one part of the body, will see aura before
3 Phases of seizures - ANSWER-aura, ictus, post ictal
Aura - ANSWER-change in smell, hearing, or taste
Post-ictal - ANSWER-may need to recover for a few days
, Glasgow coma scale scores? - ANSWER-15 normal, less than 8 ventilation support
(severe damage), 3 - you're done
Epilepsy - ANSWER-2 or more seizures, structural defect, chronic disorder w/seizure
activity
What is meningitis? - ANSWER-protective membrane that covers the brain gets infected
S/sx of meningitis? - ANSWER-mental changes, high fever, stiff neck
How do we dx what type of meningitis? - ANSWER-spinal tap
What is the Kernig sign? - ANSWER-when the pt is lying with the thigh flexed on the
abdomen, the leg cannot be completely extended
Nursing interventions for seizures (10) - ANSWER-1. turn pt head to side
2. maintain patent airway
3. suction available
4. move furniture
5. do not restrain
6. loosen restrictive clothing (including glasses)
7. cushion head
8. don't force anything in mouth
9. document observation before, during, and after
10. document characteristics (aura, drooling, etc.)
What is one thing we want to do when a seizure starts and why? - ANSWER-What time
it is to know how long it lasts
What do we do last for a seizure? - ANSWER-bed rest & pad rails
Seizure precautions? - ANSWER-O2, suction, IV access, pad rails
Phenytoin (dilantin) is used for what kind of seizures? - ANSWER-tonic clonic
What does GUMS stand for and what medication is it for? - ANSWER-Gingival
hyperplasia, Use alternate birth control, Mouth care (Soft toothbrush), phenytoin
What should we tell the patient to do when taking phenytoin? - ANSWER-don't give
w/coumadin, milk, or anatacids
What is an adverse effect of phenytoin and what do we need to monitor? - ANSWER-
bone marrow suppression, platelets
