Epilepsy and Seizure Management Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common type of generalized seizure?

Myoclonic seizures

Atonic seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures (correct)

Absent seizures

During which phase of a tonic-clonic seizure does the body experience stiffening?

Postictal phase

Clonic phase

Preictal phase

Tonic phase (correct)

What distinguishes atypical absent seizures in children from typical absent seizures?

They do not involve any loss of consciousness.

They last longer than 10 seconds.

They include peculiar behavior or confusion post-seizure. (correct)

They are triggered only by flashing lights.

What is a characteristic feature of simple partial seizures?

They can progress to generalized seizures. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate symptom might follow a generalized seizure during the postictal phase?

Muscle soreness and prolonged tiredness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of anti-seizure medication management?

Preventing injury and optimizing functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following anti-seizure medications can be prescribed initially?

Phenytoin (Dilantin) Signup and view all the answers

What dietary approach is suggested for epilepsy management?

Keto diet with high fat and low carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent seizure triggering?

Excessive alcohol and sleep deprivation Signup and view all the answers

For which condition is Lorazepam (Ativan) specifically indicated?

Status epilepticus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is essential during the ictal phase of a seizure?

Loosen tight clothing and protect the head Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following side effects must be monitored while on anti-seizure medications?

Dizziness and drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action if a patient misses a dose of their anti-seizure medication?

Make up the missed dose within 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse inspect when evaluating a patient on phenytoin for adverse effects?

Oral mucosa Signup and view all the answers

After experiencing a generalized seizure and reporting numbness and tingling in the arm, what type of seizure is this classified as?

Partial Signup and view all the answers

Which site for measuring temperature is contraindicated in a client with a history of epilepsy?

Rectal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pathological feature of Multiple Sclerosis?

Attacks on the myelin sheath Signup and view all the answers

What does the initial phase of Multiple Sclerosis involve?

Myelin destruction without axon damage Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is typically associated with the chronic phase of Multiple Sclerosis?

Intermittent vague symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is currently true regarding the treatment for Multiple Sclerosis?

It slows disease progression and alleviates symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents the epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis?

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a seizure?

A transient interruption of normal brain function due to uncontrolled electrical discharge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for the diagnosis of epilepsy?

Having at least two spontaneous seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of those diagnosed with epilepsy are diagnosed before the age of 18?

75-85% Signup and view all the answers

What phase follows the seizure event in the cycle of seizure activity?

Postictal phase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following common causes of seizures occur between the ages of 20 and 30?

Structural lesions Signup and view all the answers

In which phase would a person be likely to experience sensory warnings before a seizure?

Aural phase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about seizure disorders is true?

70% of seizure disorders are considered idiopathic. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the location of abnormal neuron firing play in seizure classification?

It dictates whether seizures will be generalized or partial. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drugs enhances the supply of dopamine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Dopaminergic drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential dietary recommendation for a patient taking Levodopa?

Avoid high protein food items around the time of the medication Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when planning interventions for a patient with Parkinson's disease?

The patient's report of most troublesome symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which action should a nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with impaired physical mobility due to bradykinesia?

Suggest rocking from side to side to initiate leg movement Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental modification can reduce the risk of falls for a patient with Parkinson's disease?

Adding mats with grips and grab bars in the bathtub Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected prescription for a patient with Parkinson's disease showing symptoms of a shuffling gait and tremors?

Antiparkinsonian drugs Signup and view all the answers

What type of exercises should be emphasized for a Parkinson's patient to strengthen communication and swallowing muscles?

Safe muscle-strengthening exercises Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for antiparkinsonian medications to cross the blood-brain barrier?

To correct neurotransmitter imbalances in the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is a common writing issue for patients with Parkinson's disease?

Micrographia is common in patients with PD. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom should the nurse prioritize when reporting to the healthcare provider for a patient on carbidopa/levodopa?

Uncontrolled head movement Signup and view all the answers

What nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for a patient with decreased tongue mobility and facial muscle dysfunction?

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to insufficient dietary intake Signup and view all the answers

Which preventive measure should a nurse teach a patient with Parkinson’s disease to reduce fall risk?

Drop rice kernels and step over them. Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with Parkinson's disease admitted for an acute infection?

Observe for sudden exacerbation of symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

How does micrographia affect a patient’s ability to communicate?

It creates difficulty in writing legibly. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of nutrition care for a patient with Parkinson’s disease?

High protein foods should be emphasized. Signup and view all the answers

In teaching about mobility challenges, which instruction is effective for a patient with Parkinson's disease?

Make larger steps to improve balance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are a diverse group of conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
These conditions can range from acute to chronic and vary widely in their presentation and prognosis.
Some examples of neurological disorders include multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), seizure disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and Myasthenia Gravis (MG).
Accurate diagnosis and effective management strategies are essential for individuals with neurological disorders.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic, progressive, degenerative, autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS).
The immune system attacks the myelin sheath (protective covering of the nerves) in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves disrupting communication between the CNS and the rest of the body.
Individuals with MS may experience diverse symptoms, including: motor problems, sensory problems, cerebellar problems, cognitive problems, and emotional problems.
MS symptoms often occur intermittently over months and years.
Treatments are currently available to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, but there is no known cure.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of MS.

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, specifically affecting the basal ganglia.
The disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the midbrain.
The loss of dopamine disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters (especially dopamine and acetylcholine) in basal ganglia, resulting in the classic triad symptoms: Tremor, Rigidity, and Bradykinesia.
Symptoms develop gradually and often appear in the 7th decade (older adulthood).
Symptoms develop as 80% of neurons are damaged or lost.
PD is more common in men than women (3:2 ratio) in this disease, and is diagnosed by clinical manifestations and response to drug therapy.
Genetic factors are thought to have a role in its development and progression.
Possible complications from PD include dementia, swallowing problems, sleep disturbances, and neuropsychiatric problems, also, risk for falls.
Treatment involves drugs aimed at correcting neurotransmitter imbalances. Nutritional therapy and physical exercise are part of the overall management.

Seizures

Seizures are characterized by a transient, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain that interrupts normal function.
Common causes of seizures vary by age from birth to adulthood.
Infections, metabolic imbalances, severe injuries, etc. can all contribute to seizure disorders.
An accurate description of the seizure and the patient's history are crucial for effective diagnosis.
Diagnosing seizures often requires an EEG, metabolic tests, and other specialized procedures.
Possible treatments include medications, surgical procedures, or lifestyle changes.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

MG is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness and fatigability of skeletal muscles.
The immune system targets and damages the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which disables normal nerve-muscle communications.
Symptoms of MG typically affect the muscles of the face, eyes, and limbs and progress to more widespread muscle weakness.
Management strategies for MG involve medications to suppress the immune system.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the motor neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The disease progressively leads to paralysis and weakening of muscles, including those involved in speaking, swallowing, and breathing.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

GBS is an acute autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves.
Weakness and paralysis are common symptoms, often starting in the legs and progressing upward.
Recovery from GBS can range from weeks to months, or longer.

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Description

Test your knowledge on generalized seizures, their characteristics, and management strategies in this comprehensive quiz. Discover important details about medication, dietary approaches, and best practices for patient care related to epilepsy.