Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the definition of status epilepticus?
What is the definition of status epilepticus?
- A seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer or serial seizures occurring without full recovery of consciousness between attacks (correct)
- A seizure lasting 3 minutes or longer or serial seizures occurring without full recovery of consciousness between attacks
- A seizure lasting 10 minutes or longer or serial seizures occurring without full recovery of consciousness between attacks
- A seizure lasting 7 minutes or longer or serial seizures occurring without full recovery of consciousness between attacks
What are the cumulative effects of status epilepticus?
What are the cumulative effects of status epilepticus?
- No cumulative effects
- Reduced metabolic demand and improved respirations
- Mild muscular contractions imposing a light metabolic demand and improvement in respirations
- Vigorous muscular contractions imposing a heavy metabolic demand and interference with respirations (correct)
How long must continuous clinical or electrical seizures last to be considered status epilepticus?
How long must continuous clinical or electrical seizures last to be considered status epilepticus?
- At least 20 minutes
- At least 30 minutes (correct)
- At least 40 minutes
- At least 10 minutes
What is considered a medical emergency?
What is considered a medical emergency?
What are the goals of treatment for status epilepticus?
What are the goals of treatment for status epilepticus?
What is the initial medication given to attempt to halt seizures immediately?
What is the initial medication given to attempt to halt seizures immediately?
What factors can precipitate status epilepticus?
What factors can precipitate status epilepticus?
What intervention is performed if the patient remains unconscious and unresponsive?
What intervention is performed if the patient remains unconscious and unresponsive?
What may repeated episodes of cerebral anoxia and edema lead to?
What may repeated episodes of cerebral anoxia and edema lead to?
What do vigorous muscular contractions impose during status epilepticus?
What do vigorous muscular contractions impose during status epilepticus?
What should be established in the medical management of status epilepticus?
What should be established in the medical management of status epilepticus?
What is the purpose of obtaining blood samples to monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and phenytoin levels?
What is the purpose of obtaining blood samples to monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and phenytoin levels?
What does a low serum concentration of anticonvulsant medication suggest?
What does a low serum concentration of anticonvulsant medication suggest?
What is the potential life-threatening complication associated with postictal state?
What is the potential life-threatening complication associated with postictal state?
Why is ongoing assessment and monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function initiated in patients receiving anticonvulsant medications and sedatives?
Why is ongoing assessment and monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function initiated in patients receiving anticonvulsant medications and sedatives?
What is the purpose of turning the patient to a side-lying position during a seizure?
What is the purpose of turning the patient to a side-lying position during a seizure?
Why must suction equipment be available during seizures?
Why must suction equipment be available during seizures?
What is a significant risk for patients who have received long-term anticonvulsant therapy?
What is a significant risk for patients who have received long-term anticonvulsant therapy?
What is the purpose of using seizure precautions for a patient having seizures?
What is the purpose of using seizure precautions for a patient having seizures?
Why should nurses protect themselves when caring for a patient having seizures?
Why should nurses protect themselves when caring for a patient having seizures?
What is the potential consequence of an IV line becoming dislodged during seizures?
What is the potential consequence of an IV line becoming dislodged during seizures?
What is the potential life-threatening complication associated with delayed depression of respiration and blood pressure?
What is the potential life-threatening complication associated with delayed depression of respiration and blood pressure?
Why is IV infusion of dextrose given if the seizure is caused by hypoglycemia?
Why is IV infusion of dextrose given if the seizure is caused by hypoglycemia?
