Seizure quiz 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic feature of a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure?

Staring into space

Visual disturbances

Loss of consciousness

Rigidity followed by muscle contraction and relaxation (correct)

What is the purpose of turning a patient on their side during a seizure?

To minimize involuntary movements

To prevent aspiration (correct)

To check for injuries

To assess their vitals

What is the diagnostic test used to detect abnormal electrical discharges in the brain during a seizure?

EEG (electroencephalography) (correct)

PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

CT scan (Computed Tomography)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Which type of seizure involves symptoms occurring on the opposite side of the brain affected?

Partial seizure Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of an aura in the context of seizures?

It is a sensation that a seizure is about to occur Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of absence (petit mal) seizures?

Staring into space Signup and view all the answers

What is the postictal period following a seizure characterized by?

Disorientation and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of complex partial seizures?

Loss of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in therapeutic measures for seizures?

Correct the cause all these are right Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is used for status epilepticus and can cause respiratory depression?

Lorazepam (Ativan) ativan (valium) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of emergency medications in the context of seizures?

To manage seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of preventative medications for seizures?

Suppress abnormal discharge of neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of administering diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) in status epilepticus?

To stop continuous seizure activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of suction in therapeutic measures for seizures?

To ensure airway and oxygenation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of padded side rails in therapeutic measures for seizures?

To prevent injury during seizures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of resecting the area affected within the brain in therapeutic measures for seizures?

To correct the underlying cause of seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which medication can the patient be on more than one and might cause drowsiness and depression?

Valproic Acid (Depakote) all of these are correct Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Seizures

Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure is characterized by loss of consciousness and muscle rigidity.

Patient Care during Seizures

Turning a patient on their side during a seizure helps to maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration.

Diagnostic Tests

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to detect abnormal electrical discharges in the brain during a seizure.

Types of Seizures

Contralateral seizures involve symptoms occurring on the opposite side of the brain affected.

Auras and Seizures

An aura is a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur, and it can be a sensory, motor, or autonomic symptom.

Absence (Petit Mal) Seizures

A characteristic feature of absence seizures is a brief period of unconsciousness, often accompanied by rapid blinking or lip movements.

Postictal Period

The postictal period following a seizure is characterized by confusion, disorientation, and fatigue.

Complex Partial Seizures

Complex partial seizures are distinguished by altered consciousness and automatisms, such as performing repetitive actions.

Therapeutic Measures

The first step in therapeutic measures for seizures is to maintain a patent airway and ensure the patient's safety.

Medications for Seizures

Medications like diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) are used to treat status epilepticus, but may cause respiratory depression.
Polypharmacy is possible, where the patient may be on more than one medication, which can cause drowsiness and depression.

Emergency Medications

The purpose of emergency medications is to terminate the seizure activity.

Preventative Medications

The main function of preventative medications is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Therapeutic Interventions

Suctioning is used to remove secretions and maintain a patent airway.
Padded side rails are used to prevent injury during a seizure.
Resecting the area affected within the brain is a therapeutic measure for seizures.

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Description

Test your knowledge of seizure pathophysiology, classification, and etiology with this quiz. Explore the diagnostic tests and signs of epilepsy, including abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and underlying neurological disorders.