Alterations in LOC
What is consciousness?
Being aware of self and environment
What is the leading cause of TBIs?
Falls
What does a seizure result from?
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain
If a patient's LOC is altered, who do you look to for information?
Their family members or who is around them most
What is the tonic-clonic seizure characterized by?
A sudden loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.
What are some things that may affect LOC?
Infection, lesions, metabolic disorders, trauma, medications, drug/alcohol use
What can trigger a seizure?
Environmental or physical stimuli, acute insults, sodium levels, abnormal electrolytes, fever, head trauma, medications, sleep deprivation,
What are seizure precautions?
Padded bed rails
Bed in lowest position
02 & suction at the ready
DO NOT put anything in mouth
Do not hold them down
What is common in the postictal phase of a seizure?
Decreased LOC, sleepiness, confusion, headache
What is a persistent vegetative state?
Pt is unaware of self or environment. Loss of all cognitive functions
What is a focal seizure?
Abnormal electrical activity contained to a limited area of the brain
What does the nurse need to document following a seizure?
How long was it- when did it start, when did it end
Activity that occurred: sides that were involved, auras, type of breathing
What is epilepsy?
A disorder with recurrent, unprovoked seizures
What is locked-in syndrome?
Pt is awake and alert w/ cognitive function but cannot move
What is a generalized seizure?
Abnormal electrical discharges that originate from BOTH hemispheres of the brain
Your patient starts seizing in front of you, do you run and get help??
NO DUMMY! NEVER leave them alone while they are seizing
What is the medication of choice for preventing seizures and controlling epilepsy?
Dilantin
What is brain death?
Pt has no brain activity at all, no cerebral or brainstem function for 6-24 hrs
What is a common manifestation of an impending seizure?
An aura which can include:
strange smell
visual flashes
deja vu
tingling
What does a Glasgow Coma Scale Score of 8 or less indicate?
Less than 8, time to intubate
What do absent seizures consist of?
Brief staring, lip-smacking
(Falisha do you have absent seizures)