From Jerks to Jolts
This term describes the most common type of seizure, characterized by sudden jerking movements and loss of consciousness
What are tonic-clonic (or Grand mal) seizures?
What is the priority nursing intervention when caring for a patient experiencing a seizure?
What is ensuring patient safety by protecting them from injury, such as removing nearby objects or cushioning their head with a pillow?
This term describes preventing seizures with minimum toxic side effects from medications
What is "goal of therapy"?
What essential equipment should be readily available at the bedside of an epileptic patient in the hospital setting to ensure timely intervention during a seizure emergency?
What are suctioning equipment and oxygen supplies?
What diagnostic test is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy and involves recording the electrical activity of the brain?
What is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)?
Which type of seizure is characterized by a brief loss of awareness or responsiveness, often with repetitive movements such as lip smacking?
What is an absence seizure?
What medication is commonly administered by nurses during a seizure emergency to terminate prolonged seizures or status epilepticus?
What are benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium), given intravenously?
Which antiepileptic medication is used in treatment of partial seizure disorder and is known for its potential side effects such as neutropenia, bone marrow suppression, and liver damage?
What is carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
During a seizure, what should the nurse do to protect the patient's airway and prevent aspiration?
What is position the patient on their side to facilitate drainage of oral secretions and prevent aspiration?
Name one common differential diagnosis that healthcare providers should consider when evaluating a patient for epilepsy, which involves sudden, temporary loss of consciousness often triggered by emotional stress?
What is psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)?
What is the term for a seizure that affects only one part of the brain, causing symptoms that vary depending on the part of the brain involved?
What is focal or partial seizure?
When providing care for a patient after a seizure, what position is recommended to help maintain an open airway and facilitate breathing?
What is recovery position, also known as the lateral recumbent position, where the patient is placed on their side with the upper leg bent and the head supported?
Name the newer-generation antiepileptic medication that is often used as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures and is also approved for use in neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
What is pregabalin (Lyrica)?
What essential assessment should be performed immediately after a seizure ends?
What is assessing the patient's LOC, airway patency, breathing, and vital signs?
What is the role of neuroimaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans in the diagnosis of epilepsy?
What is to help identify (or rule out) structural abnormalities or lesions in the brain that may be causing seizures.
What is the rarest type of seizure, characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone leading to collapse, often with injuries due to falling?
What are atonic (or drop) seizures?
What are some non-pharmacological interventions that nurses can implement to help prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy?
What is: Examples include ensuring adequate sleep, stress management techniques, maintaining a consistent medication schedule, and avoiding triggers such as flashing lights or certain foods.
When administering phenytoin (Dilantin) intravenously, at what rate should nurses ensure it is infused to avoid adverse effects?
What is at a rate not to exceed 50 mg/minute (or 1-3 mg/kg/minute) to prevent hypotension, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse?
What education should be provided to patients with epilepsy regarding lifestyle modifications?
Educating patients to avoid potential seizure triggers such as sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol consumption, and flashing lights; encouraging the maintenance of a regular sleep schedule and the importance of medication compliance?
What is the hallmark of an epilepsy diagnosis?
What is the patient experiences (at least) two unprovoked seizures within a 24 hour timeframe?
Name the type of seizure that may start with an aura, followed by a loss of consciousness and tonic-clonic movements, and typically last 1 to 3 minutes?
What is a complex partial (focal) seizure?
What nursing interventions are crucial during the postictal phase of a seizure?
What is facilitating rest and comfort while monitoring for any complications or further seizure activity, assessing and documenting the patient's level of consciousness, vital signs, neurological status, and any injuries; providing emotional support?
What is the mechanism of action of valproic acid (Depakote), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic medication?
What is valproic acid increases the brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter? (think: "calms the excitability")
Why is it important for nurses to educate patients with epilepsy about medication adherence?
What is a patient's medication regimen for epilepsy is generally lifelong. Not taking medications increases seizure precipitation.
What is the term for a comprehensive evaluation performed to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy, which includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly neuroimaging, and EEG?
What is a detailed, thorough investigation into the patient's history and physical (H&P)?