Registered Nurse RN Mod C Quiz

Excitatory neurons release the neurotransmitter _____________, while inhibitory neurons release the neurotransmitter ________________.

Select all the patients who are at MOST risk for seizures:

Based on a Phenytoin level of 7 mcg/mL, what should the nurse do?

Which statement requires re-education about seizure triggers?

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 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?

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.

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!