Definitions
A prolonged seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without full recovery in between; a true neurological emergency
What is status epilepticus?
What is BE FAST?
The type of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery, accounting for about 87% of cases
In this stroke type, vessel occlusion leads to hypoxia, energy failure, infarction, and a salvageable penumbra if re-perfused quickly
What is ischemic stroke pathophysiology?
What is CT head (non-contrast)?
This non-contrast imaging test is the first-line emergency scan to rule out hemorrhage in suspected stroke
In acute stroke care, this is the priority: ensure airway, breathing, circulation, then perform rapid neuro assessment using NIHSS or similar
What is ABCs and neurological assessment?
What is ischemic stroke?
The type of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery, accounting for about 87% of cases
Sudden unilateral facial drooping, arm drift/weakness, and slurred speech are classic signs of this condition
What are signs of stroke? or What is a stroke?
What is the basic pathophysiology of seizures?
Excessive neuronal excitation (glutamate excess) over inhibition (GABA deficit) causes this imbalance leading to seizures
This test records brain electrical activity and is the gold standard for confirming abnormal patterns in seizures
What is EEG (electroencephalogram)?
What is protect from injury / ensure safety?
During an active seizure, the nurse's top priority is this action to prevent injury.
This is the sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain leading to cell death
What is a stroke? or cerebrovascular accident/CVA?
What is a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure?
Rhythmic jerking movements, loss of consciousness, possible tongue biting, and postictal confusion are typical of this type of seizure
Vessel rupture (often from hypertension or aneurysm) causes hematoma formation, increased intracranial pressure, and secondary ischemia in this stroke type
What is hemorrhagic stroke pathophysiology?
What is blood glucose?
In stroke, this blood test is checked immediately to rule out hypoglycemia mimicking symptoms
For eligible ischemic stroke patients within the time window, nurses monitor BP closely before and during administration of this clot-busting drug
What is tPA (alteplase / thrombolytic therapy)?
What is a seizure?
This term describes abnormal, excessive, and synchronous electrical activity in the brain causing temporary dysfunction.
Sudden blurred or double vision in one or both eyes, along with loss of balance, can indicate this neurological emergency
What are additional signs of stroke? or What is stroke?
What happens during status epilepticus or prolonged seizures?
Hypermetabolism during prolonged seizure activity can lead to hypoxia, lactic acidosis, and potential brain damage
This advanced imaging (often with diffusion-weighted sequences) better detects early ischemia than CT in stroke
What is MRI brain?
What is prevent increased ICP / aspiration / falls? or general safety measures?
This common nursing intervention for both stroke and seizures includes elevating the head of bed 30 degrees and seizure precautions
What is hemorrhagic stroke?
This subtype of stroke involves rupture of a blood vessel causing bleeding into or around the brain tissue
What is an absence (petit mal) seizure?
Brief staring spells with no movement, often mistaken for daydreaming, characterize this generalized seizure type.
The ischemic cascade in stroke involves excitotoxicity, free radical formation, and cell death when cerebral blood flow drops below critical levels
What is the ischemic cascade in stroke?
What is CT or MRI head?
In new-onset seizures, this test helps identify structural causes like tumors or bleeds
In status epilepticus, nurses prepare for and administer this first-line medication class (e.g., lorazepam IV) to terminate prolonged seizures
What are benzodiazepines?