Podcast
Questions and Answers
Excitatory neurons release the neurotransmitter _____________, while inhibitory neurons release the neurotransmitter ________________.
Excitatory neurons release the neurotransmitter _____________, while inhibitory neurons release the neurotransmitter ________________.
glutamate, GABA
Select all the patients who are at MOST risk for seizures:
Select all the patients who are at MOST risk for seizures:
- A 63-year-old whose CT scan shows an ischemic stroke. (correct)
- A 72-year-old who is post op day 5 from open heart surgery.
- A 58-year-old experiencing ETOH withdrawal. (correct)
- A 32-year-old with a blood glucose of 20 mg/dL. (correct)
- A 16-year-old with bacterial meningitis. (correct)
Based on a Phenytoin level of 7 mcg/mL, what should the nurse do?
Based on a Phenytoin level of 7 mcg/mL, what should the nurse do?
- Hold the next dose of Phenytoin
- Continue to monitor the patient
- Initiate seizure precautions (correct)
- Assess the patient for a rash
Which statement requires re-education about seizure triggers?
Which statement requires re-education about seizure triggers?
A patient experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure is experiencing a focal (partial) seizure.
A patient experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure is experiencing a focal (partial) seizure.
What type of seizure is characterized by a child appearing to daydream for 10 seconds and not recalling the event afterward?
What type of seizure is characterized by a child appearing to daydream for 10 seconds and not recalling the event afterward?
What should the nurse do when a patient reports having déjà vu and seeing spots in their visual field?
What should the nurse do when a patient reports having déjà vu and seeing spots in their visual field?
If a tonic-clonic seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, the nurse should?
If a tonic-clonic seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, the nurse should?
Study Notes
Neurons and Neurotransmitters
- Neurons transmit information and come in two main types: excitatory and inhibitory.
- Excitatory neurons release glutamate, while inhibitory neurons release GABA.
Patients at Risk for Seizures
- Patients at most risk for seizures include those with:
- Low blood glucose (20 mg/dL)
- Ischemic stroke
- Bacterial meningitis
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Post-operative patients, like those on day 5 post-open heart surgery, are not at increased seizure risk compared to others listed.
Phenytoin and Seizure Precautions
- Normal Phenytoin levels range from 10 to 20 mcg/mL; a level of 7 mcg/mL indicates under-medication.
- Initiate seizure precautions for patients with low Phenytoin levels to prevent seizures.
Seizure Triggers Education
- Alcohol intake should be strictly limited or avoided altogether to prevent seizures.
- Recognize that hormonal changes (like those during menstrual cycles), sleep deprivation, and dehydration can trigger seizures.
Types of Seizures
- Tonic-clonic seizures are generalized, affecting both brain hemispheres.
- Absence seizures, common in children, are characterized by short episodes of staring, resembling daydreaming.
Recognizing Seizure Auras
- Auras, such as déjà vu or visual disturbances, are warning signs of impending seizures.
- It is crucial to gently lay the patient on their side, ensuring safety, and remove any tight clothing.
Managing Prolonged Seizures
- Tonic-clonic seizures typically last 1-3 minutes; anything over 5 minutes requires emergency intervention.
- If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, do not restrain the patient but activate the emergency response system to ensure proper care.
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Description
Test your knowledge on neuron functions and neurotransmitters with this Registered Nurse RN Mod C quiz. Understand the differences between excitatory and inhibitory neurons along with the roles of specific neurotransmitters. Perfect for nursing students preparing for exams!
