Medical 3/Test 2 Review 9/30
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Questions and Answers

What does ALOC indicate in a patient?

  • There is no significant medical concern.
  • Patient is fully conscious and alert.
  • Patient is experiencing a minor headache.
  • Central nervous system has been affected. (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT part of the AEIOUTIPS mnemonic?

  • Alcohol
  • Obesity (correct)
  • Epilepsy
  • Uremia

    • Identifying the symptoms of which condition involves using the Cincinnati Stroke Scale?

  • Stroke (correct)
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Seizures
  • Anaphylaxis

    • Which type of stroke is more common and is similar in pathology to a myocardial infarction?

    <p>Ischemic stroke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines status epilepticus?

    <p>A single seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key question to ask when assessing a stroke patient?

    <p>When was the last time the patient was seen normal?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

    <p>Stroke symptoms that resolve within an hour.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of seizure is characterized by sudden loss of consciousness and muscle stiffening followed by jerking movements?

    <p>Generalized / Grand Mal seizure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential observation that may indicate alcohol influence in a patient with ALOC?

    <p>Smell of alcohol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is indicated by a patient having a bloody mouth and tongue biting?

    <p>Epilepsy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

    <p>Symptom resolution occurs within 15 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a stroke assessment, which question is crucial to determine the patient's treatment timeline?

    <p>When was the last time you were seen normal?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Cincinnati Stroke Scale assess?

    <p>Presence of facial droop and arm drift</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is status epilepticus defined?

    <p>Generalized seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes ischemic stroke from hemorrhagic stroke?

    <p>Ischemic stroke involves blockage, hemorrhagic involves bleeding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of seizure is typically triggered by fever, especially in children?

    <p>Febrile</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key indication of uremia in a patient?

    <p>Recent infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main characteristics of a generalized seizure?

    <p>Stiffening followed by jerking movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes a hemorrhagic stroke?

    <p>It results from the burst of an artery in the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary concern when assessing for seizures?

    <p>Differentiate between primary and secondary seizures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a stroke assessment, which component of the Cincinnati Stroke Scale tests facial symmetry?

    <p>Facial droop</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates the acute need for transport to a stroke center hospital?

    <p>The patient's last normal appearance was within 3 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with an overdose?

    <p>Pupil assessment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions may lead to a patient displaying symptoms similar to stroke but resolving quickly?

    <p>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What respiratory pattern may accompany hyperventilation?

    <p>Rapid shallow (sometimes deep) respirations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which oxygen adjunct is considered a low flow oxygen delivery system?

    <p>Nasal cannula</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sign indicates potential myocardial infarction?

    <p>Chest discomfort unprovoked</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Angina Pectoris typically respond to rest?

    <p>Symptoms are relieved</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect of nitroglycerine?

    <p>Hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typical symptom might present in a patient with hypoglycemia?

    <p>Pale, cool skin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition involves facial droop and slurred speech that resolves within a short time frame?

    <p>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of emphysema?

    <p>Wheezing or diminished lung sounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the tonic/clonic type of seizures?

    <p>Stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is most likely characterized by a bluish color to the skin?

    <p>Chronic bronchitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom is indicative of pulmonary embolism?

    <p>Acute onset of unexplained shortness of breath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with pneumonia?

    <p>Dry cough</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of pulmonary edema?

    <p>Pink frothy sputum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom is commonly seen in a patient with tension pneumothorax?

    <p>Tracheal deviation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following patients would most likely use accessory muscles to breathe?

    <p>A patient with asthma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following findings would suggest the presence of pulmonary edema?

    <p>Crackles in lung sounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure, along with the reticular activating system, is essential for a patient to remain in a conscious state?

    <p>Thalamus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for an unconscious state where the patient shows no response to painful stimuli?

    <p>Coma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of headache is characterized by a tight or vise-like sensation?

    <p>Tension headache</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum time frame for administering drugs that can reverse the consequences of a stroke following the first symptom?

    <p>3 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of a left-sided brain stroke, which side of the body typically shows observable damage?

    <p>Right side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a structural cause of altered mental status?

    <p>Hypoxia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body part is NOT included in the assessment of patients with altered mental status?

    <p>Chest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is associated with altered mental status and inability to speak, feel sensation, or move?

    <p>Neurologic deficit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of clot formation called?

    <p>Thrombosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common nontraumatic brain injury?

    <p>Stroke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes paralysis affecting both lower extremities?

    <p>Paraplegia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a sign of neurologic deficit resulting from nontraumatic brain injury?

    <p>Fever</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A transient ischemic attack typically resolves within how many hours?

    <p>3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which position should a postictal patient generally be placed?

    <p>Lateral recumbent position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process describes the excitation of a growing group of susceptible neurons in the brain leading to seizures?

    <p>Recruitment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of seizure typically requires no patient care if it lasts less than 30 minutes?

    <p>None, if the seizure lasts for less than 30 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of seizure involves changes in how the patient thinks, feels, or experiences the environment?

    <p>Psychic seizure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are nonconvulsive seizures characterized that produce an 'epileptic twilight' state?

    <p>Status epilepticus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the condition characterized by recurrent seizures?

    <p>Epilepsy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common cause of seizures?

    <p>Dehydration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the phase following a seizure where a patient may be disoriented and weak?

    <p>Postictal state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the life-threatening seizure condition characterized by prolonged seizures known?

    <p>Status epilepticus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the seizure phase characterized by muscle spasms followed by relaxation called?

    <p>Clonic phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of seizure is primarily associated with children and results from high fever?

    <p>Febrile seizure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a patient's seizures last longer than 5 minutes, what intervention should be considered?

    <p>Endotracheal intubation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication is NOT typically used for treating epilepsy?

    <p>Insulin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which position is a postictal patient typically placed?

    <p>Lateral recumbent position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the process through which seizures begin due to the excitation of neurons in the brain?

    <p>Recruitment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of seizure is characterized by changes in how the patient thinks or experiences feelings?

    <p>Psychic seizure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which classification is given to nonconvulsive seizures that produce a continuous or fluctuating 'epileptic twilight' state?

    <p>Status epilepticus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is commonly required for a myoclonic seizure that lasts less than 30 minutes?

    <p>None, if the seizure lasts for less than 30 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for a sudden and temporary alteration in brain function caused by massive electrical discharge in a group of nerve cells?

    <p>A seizure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chronic brain disorder is characterized by recurrent seizures?

    <p>Epilepsy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is least likely to be a common cause of seizures?

    <p>Chronic pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the phase following a seizure where a patient may be unresponsive and disoriented?

    <p>Postictal state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do many patients experience just before a seizure, indicating an upcoming event?

    <p>Aura</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a life-threatening condition where seizures last longer than 30 minutes?

    <p>Status epilepticus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of seizure is most common in children and often caused by high fever?

    <p>Febrile seizure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication is not typically used in the treatment of epilepsy?

    <p>Insulin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC)

    • ALOC indicates the central nervous system is compromised requiring assessment through AEIOUTIPS.
    • ALOC can signify injury, illness, or intoxication.

    AEIOUTIPS

    • Utilize a rapid physical exam rather than OPQRST for uncommunicative patients with ALOC.
    • Alcohol: Check for smell or evidence (e.g., bottles) to identify possible intoxication.
    • Epilepsy: Look for signs such as bitten tongue, bloody mouth, or incontinence.
    • Insulin: Assess blood sugar levels to rule out diabetic complications.
    • Overdose/Underdose: Conduct pupil assessment and check for drug paraphernalia.
    • Uremia: Consider a recent infection as a potential cause.
    • Trauma: Examine for any signs of head or bodily injury.
    • Infection: Review patient's recent medical history, particularly antibiotic use.
    • Psychological: Investigate background and onset of symptoms for possible psychological causes.
    • Stroke: Apply the Cincinnati Stroke Scale for further evaluation.

    Stroke

    • Formerly known as cerebral vascular accident (CVA).
    • Two primary types of strokes:
      • Ischemic: More prevalent; occurs when cerebral vessels are obstructed, resembling myocardial infarction but in the brain.
      • Hemorrhagic: Caused by artery rupture, often linked to aneurysms; patients may report an extreme headache.
    • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
      • Often referred to as a mini-stroke, featuring stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within an hour.
      • Classified as TIA if symptoms disappear and the patient remains symptom-free for 24 hours; a critical precursor to a future stroke.

    Stroke Assessment

    • Key question: "When was the last time the patient was seen normal?" This is essential for timely treatment.
    • Critical timeframes for administration to a stroke center:
      • Typically within 3 hours for emergency response protocols.
      • Within 6 hours specifically for San Diego County.
    • Cincinnati Stroke Scale components:
      • Arm drift test.
      • Facial droop evaluation.
      • Assessment for slurred speech.

    Seizures

    • Definition: Seizures are bursts of abnormal brain activity leading to a range of symptoms.
    • Distinguish between primary seizures (idiopathic origin) and secondary seizures (triggered by other conditions).

    Status Epilepticus

    • Defined as a generalized seizure lasting over 5 minutes or recurrent seizures occurring without returning to a lucid state.

    Types of Seizures

    • Generalized / Grand Mal: Involves whole brain; known for tonic-clonic phases.
    • Absence / Petite Mal: Brief, often unnoticed episodes of altered consciousness.
    • Febrile: Associated with fever; common in young children.

    Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC)

    • ALOC indicates the central nervous system is compromised requiring assessment through AEIOUTIPS.
    • ALOC can signify injury, illness, or intoxication.

    AEIOUTIPS

    • Utilize a rapid physical exam rather than OPQRST for uncommunicative patients with ALOC.
    • Alcohol: Check for smell or evidence (e.g., bottles) to identify possible intoxication.
    • Epilepsy: Look for signs such as bitten tongue, bloody mouth, or incontinence.
    • Insulin: Assess blood sugar levels to rule out diabetic complications.
    • Overdose/Underdose: Conduct pupil assessment and check for drug paraphernalia.
    • Uremia: Consider a recent infection as a potential cause.
    • Trauma: Examine for any signs of head or bodily injury.
    • Infection: Review patient's recent medical history, particularly antibiotic use.
    • Psychological: Investigate background and onset of symptoms for possible psychological causes.
    • Stroke: Apply the Cincinnati Stroke Scale for further evaluation.

    Stroke

    • Formerly known as cerebral vascular accident (CVA).
    • Two primary types of strokes:
      • Ischemic: More prevalent; occurs when cerebral vessels are obstructed, resembling myocardial infarction but in the brain.
      • Hemorrhagic: Caused by artery rupture, often linked to aneurysms; patients may report an extreme headache.
    • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
      • Often referred to as a mini-stroke, featuring stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within an hour.
      • Classified as TIA if symptoms disappear and the patient remains symptom-free for 24 hours; a critical precursor to a future stroke.

    Stroke Assessment

    • Key question: "When was the last time the patient was seen normal?" This is essential for timely treatment.
    • Critical timeframes for administration to a stroke center:
      • Typically within 3 hours for emergency response protocols.
      • Within 6 hours specifically for San Diego County.
    • Cincinnati Stroke Scale components:
      • Arm drift test.
      • Facial droop evaluation.
      • Assessment for slurred speech.

    Seizures

    • Definition: Seizures are bursts of abnormal brain activity leading to a range of symptoms.
    • Distinguish between primary seizures (idiopathic origin) and secondary seizures (triggered by other conditions).

    Status Epilepticus

    • Defined as a generalized seizure lasting over 5 minutes or recurrent seizures occurring without returning to a lucid state.

    Types of Seizures

    • Generalized / Grand Mal: Involves whole brain; known for tonic-clonic phases.
    • Absence / Petite Mal: Brief, often unnoticed episodes of altered consciousness.
    • Febrile: Associated with fever; common in young children.

    Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC)

    • ALOC indicates the central nervous system is compromised requiring assessment through AEIOUTIPS.
    • ALOC can signify injury, illness, or intoxication.

    AEIOUTIPS

    • Utilize a rapid physical exam rather than OPQRST for uncommunicative patients with ALOC.
    • Alcohol: Check for smell or evidence (e.g., bottles) to identify possible intoxication.
    • Epilepsy: Look for signs such as bitten tongue, bloody mouth, or incontinence.
    • Insulin: Assess blood sugar levels to rule out diabetic complications.
    • Overdose/Underdose: Conduct pupil assessment and check for drug paraphernalia.
    • Uremia: Consider a recent infection as a potential cause.
    • Trauma: Examine for any signs of head or bodily injury.
    • Infection: Review patient's recent medical history, particularly antibiotic use.
    • Psychological: Investigate background and onset of symptoms for possible psychological causes.
    • Stroke: Apply the Cincinnati Stroke Scale for further evaluation.

    Stroke

    • Formerly known as cerebral vascular accident (CVA).
    • Two primary types of strokes:
      • Ischemic: More prevalent; occurs when cerebral vessels are obstructed, resembling myocardial infarction but in the brain.
      • Hemorrhagic: Caused by artery rupture, often linked to aneurysms; patients may report an extreme headache.
    • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
      • Often referred to as a mini-stroke, featuring stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within an hour.
      • Classified as TIA if symptoms disappear and the patient remains symptom-free for 24 hours; a critical precursor to a future stroke.

    Stroke Assessment

    • Key question: "When was the last time the patient was seen normal?" This is essential for timely treatment.
    • Critical timeframes for administration to a stroke center:
      • Typically within 3 hours for emergency response protocols.
      • Within 6 hours specifically for San Diego County.
    • Cincinnati Stroke Scale components:
      • Arm drift test.
      • Facial droop evaluation.
      • Assessment for slurred speech.

    Seizures

    • Definition: Seizures are bursts of abnormal brain activity leading to a range of symptoms.
    • Distinguish between primary seizures (idiopathic origin) and secondary seizures (triggered by other conditions).

    Status Epilepticus

    • Defined as a generalized seizure lasting over 5 minutes or recurrent seizures occurring without returning to a lucid state.

    Types of Seizures

    • Generalized / Grand Mal: Involves whole brain; known for tonic-clonic phases.
    • Absence / Petite Mal: Brief, often unnoticed episodes of altered consciousness.
    • Febrile: Associated with fever; common in young children.

    Respiratory Conditions

    • Emphysema (COPD):

      • Typically presents with a thin body structure and occasionally a pinkish skin tone due to polycythemia.
      • Characterized by pursed lip breathing, indicating positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).
      • Symptoms include wheezing or diminished lung sounds and dry cough.
      • Patients may require supplemental oxygen and often have a history of smoking.
      • Chronic shortness of breath is a common complaint.

    • Chronic Bronchitis:

      • Usually involves heavier body frame with potential bluish skin coloration.
      • Excessive sputum production and chronic shortness of breath are key symptoms.
      • Ronchi or diminished lung sounds often noted, along with potential need for home oxygen.

    • Pulmonary Embolism:

      • Presents with acute onset of unexplained shortness of breath.
      • Lung sounds may be clear with possible crackles.
      • Risk factors include recent surgery, sedentary lifestyle, or use of birth control pills.

    • Pneumonia:

      • Patients often exhibit fever, productive cough, and lung sounds of diminished breathing or rhonchi.
      • Sputum can be green or yellow; painful breathing, tachypnea, and a history of recent illness are common.

    • Pulmonary Edema:

      • May be associated with a history of heart disease, presenting as acute shortness of breath and crackling lung sounds.
      • Severe cases can show pink frothy sputum; orthopnea and jugular venous distension (JVD) may also be present.
      • Other signs include pedal edema, exertional dyspnea, tachypnea, and tachycardia.

    • Asthma:

      • Acute episodes of shortness of breath are common, typically with a personal history of asthma.
      • Symptoms include wheezing lung sounds, tripoding posture, and accessory muscle use.
      • Tachypnea and tachycardia may be observed.

    • Pneumothorax:

      • Symptoms include shortness of breath, pinpoint pain, and diminished lung sounds.
      • Often results from penetrating or blunt trauma, accompanied by tachypnea and tachycardia.

    • Tension Pneumothorax:

      • Identified by jugular venous distension, tracheal deviation, and absent lung sounds.
      • Hypotension, poor skin signs, and severe shortness of breath, along with tachypnea and tachycardia are critical indicators.

    • Hyperventilation:

      • Characterized by rapid shallow respirations, potential for carpal pedal spasms, and numbness/tingling of the face and extremities.
      • Often triggered by emotional distress and can lead to a syncopal episode.

    Oxygen Adjuncts

    • OPA (Oropharyngeal Airway): Keeps the airway patent.
    • NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway): Also maintains airway patency.
    • Nasal Cannula: Provides low flow oxygen (2-6 lpm).
    • Non-Rebreather Mask: High flow oxygen delivery (10-15 lpm).
    • Bag Valve Mask: Used to assist ventilations with flow rates of 10-25 lpm.
    • Flow Restricted Oxygen Powered Ventilation Device: Specific device for oxygen delivery.

    Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

    • Common symptoms include chest discomfort that is non-provoked and unrelieved by rest or nitroglycerine.
    • Shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, poor skin signs, hypotension, and pulmonary edema can also be present.
    • Jugular venous distension (JVD) may indicate complications.

    Angina Pectoris

    • Chest discomfort triggered by exertion; relieved by rest or nitroglycerine.

    Nitroglycerine

    • Indication: Chest pain with myocardial ischemia.
    • Contraindications: Low blood pressure and use of certain medications (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors).
    • Side Effects: Headache, hypotension, and flushing.
    • Dosage: Must follow local guidelines (SD County and NR).

    Metered Dose Inhaler

    • Indication: Asthma or COPD exacerbations.
    • Contraindications: None specific, but follow local protocols.
    • Side Effects: Increased heart rate, nervousness.
    • Dosage: As per local guidelines (SD County and NR).

    Oral Glucose

    • Indication: Hypoglycemia.
    • Contraindications: Unresponsive patients or unable to swallow.
    • Side Effects: Nausea or vomiting.
    • Dosage: Follow local protocols (SD County and NR).

    5 Patient Rights

    • Right patient
    • Right drug
    • Right dose
    • Right route
    • Right time

    Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC)

    • Hypoglycemia: ALOC/unresponsive, pale cool skin, known diabetic, labored respirations, low blood sugar.

    • Diabetic Ketoacidosis: ALOC symptoms alongside significant metabolic derangement.

    • Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA): ALOC, slurred speech, unresponsiveness, severe headache, new onset seizures, hemiparesis, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, facial droop, and possible airway compromise.

    • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Manifested by slurred speech, facial droop, hemiparesis, blurred vision, with symptoms resolving within 24 hours.

    • Seizures: Can present as tonic/clonic movements (grand mal), staring episodes, or in infants, a stiff posture turning "blue" with febrile nature.

    Causes of Altered Mental Status

    • Structural causes include brain tumors, impaled objects in the brain, and bleeding in brain tissue. Hypoxia is not a structural cause.
    • Assessment must include the head, pupils, and chest, excluding the tympanic membrane.

    Neurological Symptoms

    • Signs of altered mental status include inability to speak, feel sensation, or move, indicating a neurologic deficit, rather than acute myocardial infarction or embolism.
    • Clot formation is known as thrombosis, while hemorrhagia refers to bleeding.
    • Common nontraumatic brain injury is a stroke, not hypoxia or seizures.

    Paralysis Types

    • Paraplegia affects lower extremities; quadriplegia affects all four limbs; hemiplegia affects one side.
    • Signs of a neurologic deficit may include severe headaches, unequal pupils, or paralysis, while fever is not typically associated.

    Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

    • A TIA usually resolves within 1 to 24 hours, often within 3 hours.

    Headaches Classification

    • Types of headaches include tension, vascular, and cluster headaches, while ‘mastoid headache’ is not recognized.

    Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

    • Assessments involve facial droop, abnormal speech, strength testing, and arm drift; all important in identifying a stroke.
    • The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale is based on the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale.

    F.A.S.T. Acronym

    • The "A" in F.A.S.T. stands for Arm weakness, while "B" stands for Aphasia.

    Key Terminology

    • Neurologic deficit refers to any deficiency in brain/nervous system functioning.
    • The brainstem regulates breathing, and abnormalities may indicate a stroke.
    • Consciousness requires the reticular activating system and one other structure.
    • Awareness of prior transient ischemic attacks is crucial for stroke evaluation.
    • Unresponsive patients who do not react to pain are in a state of unresponsiveness.
    • Left-brain strokes affect the right side of the body.
    • Headaches may result from vascular spasms, followed by vasodilation and chemical changes.
    • A tight, vise-like headache indicates tension-type.
    • Stroke-reversal drugs must be given within a specified time frame from symptom onset.
    • Areas of ischemia with silent brain cells are termed ‘ischemic penumbra.’
    • The MEND exam incorporates additional elements to the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale.
    • RACE acronym assists in assessing neurologic dysfunction related to strokes.
    • A seizure is a sudden, temporary alteration in brain function due to massive electrical discharges in groups of nerve cells.
    • Epilepsy is the chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
    • Common causes of seizures include shock, infection, hypoxia, and hypoglycemia; however, shock is less common.
    • The postictal state refers to the period following a seizure when a patient may be unresponsive, sleepy, weak, and disoriented.

    Seizure Phases

    • An aura is a warning sign experienced by some patients before a seizure occurs.
    • The tonic phase is when a patient's muscles become contracted and tense, with arching of the back.
    • The clonic phase involves spasms followed by relaxation, leading to violent, jerky movements during a seizure.

    Serious Conditions

    • Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition marked by seizures lasting over 30 minutes or multiple seizures without full recovery of consciousness in between.
    • Syncope refers to a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness.

    Seizure types and characteristics

    • Febrile seizures are common in children aged 6 months to 6 years, caused by high fever.
    • Absence seizures, characterized by a brief blank stare lasting seconds, are common in children and start and end abruptly.

    Emergency Care

    • If a patient's seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, airway control and positive pressure ventilations may be necessary.
    • Common antiepileptic medications include Dilantin, Mysoline, and phenobarbital; insulin is not typically used in epilepsy management.

    Patient Considerations

    • Hemiparalysis refers to weakness on one side of the body.
    • Postictal patients are usually placed in a lateral recumbent position for safety and comfort.
    • Recruitment describes the process of escalating neuron excitation leading to seizures.

    Special Considerations for Myoclonic Seizures

    • Usually, no intervention is required if myoclonic seizures last less than 30 minutes.
    • Psychic seizures affect how a patient thinks, feels, or experiences sensations.

    Classification of Seizures

    • Nonconvulsive seizures producing a fluctuating "epileptic twilight" state are classified as status epilepticus according to the American Epilepsy Society.
    • After convulsive activity, oxygen therapy via nasal cannula is recommended until the end of the postictal period.
    • A seizure is a sudden, temporary alteration in brain function due to massive electrical discharges in groups of nerve cells.
    • Epilepsy is the chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
    • Common causes of seizures include shock, infection, hypoxia, and hypoglycemia; however, shock is less common.
    • The postictal state refers to the period following a seizure when a patient may be unresponsive, sleepy, weak, and disoriented.

    Seizure Phases

    • An aura is a warning sign experienced by some patients before a seizure occurs.
    • The tonic phase is when a patient's muscles become contracted and tense, with arching of the back.
    • The clonic phase involves spasms followed by relaxation, leading to violent, jerky movements during a seizure.

    Serious Conditions

    • Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition marked by seizures lasting over 30 minutes or multiple seizures without full recovery of consciousness in between.
    • Syncope refers to a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness.

    Seizure types and characteristics

    • Febrile seizures are common in children aged 6 months to 6 years, caused by high fever.
    • Absence seizures, characterized by a brief blank stare lasting seconds, are common in children and start and end abruptly.

    Emergency Care

    • If a patient's seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, airway control and positive pressure ventilations may be necessary.
    • Common antiepileptic medications include Dilantin, Mysoline, and phenobarbital; insulin is not typically used in epilepsy management.

    Patient Considerations

    • Hemiparalysis refers to weakness on one side of the body.
    • Postictal patients are usually placed in a lateral recumbent position for safety and comfort.
    • Recruitment describes the process of escalating neuron excitation leading to seizures.

    Special Considerations for Myoclonic Seizures

    • Usually, no intervention is required if myoclonic seizures last less than 30 minutes.
    • Psychic seizures affect how a patient thinks, feels, or experiences sensations.

    Classification of Seizures

    • Nonconvulsive seizures producing a fluctuating "epileptic twilight" state are classified as status epilepticus according to the American Epilepsy Society.
    • After convulsive activity, oxygen therapy via nasal cannula is recommended until the end of the postictal period.

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    Description

    This quiz focuses on assessing patients with altered levels of consciousness (ALOC) using the AEIOUTIPS framework. Learn how to identify potential causes based on physical examinations and indicators of injury or illness. Test your knowledge on critical aspects of patient assessment and management.

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