23 Questions
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
What are the cumulative effects of status epilepticus?
Vigorous muscular contractions imposing a heavy metabolic demand and interference with respirations
How long must continuous clinical or electrical seizures last to be considered status epilepticus?
At least 30 minutes
What is considered a medical emergency?
Status epilepticus
What are the goals of treatment for status epilepticus?
To stop the seizures as quickly as possible, ensure adequate cerebral oxygenation, and maintain the patient in a seizure-free state
What is the initial medication given to attempt to halt seizures immediately?
IV diazepam, lorazepam, or fosphenytoin
What factors can precipitate status epilepticus?
Interruption of anticonvulsant medication, fever, concurrent infection, or other illness
What intervention is performed if the patient remains unconscious and unresponsive?
Insertion of an endotracheal tube
What may repeated episodes of cerebral anoxia and edema lead to?
Irreversible and fatal brain damage
What do vigorous muscular contractions impose during status epilepticus?
A heavy metabolic demand and interference with respirations
What should be established in the medical management of status epilepticus?
An airway and adequate oxygenation
What is the purpose of obtaining blood samples to monitor serum electrolytes, glucose, and phenytoin levels?
To determine the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medication
What does a low serum concentration of anticonvulsant medication suggest?
The patient is not taking the medication or the dosage is too low
What is the potential life-threatening complication associated with postictal state?
Cerebral edema
Why is ongoing assessment and monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function initiated in patients receiving anticonvulsant medications and sedatives?
To prevent delayed depression of respiration and blood pressure
What is the purpose of turning the patient to a side-lying position during a seizure?
To prevent aspiration of pharyngeal secretions
Why must suction equipment be available during seizures?
To prevent aspiration
What is a significant risk for patients who have received long-term anticonvulsant therapy?
Fractures resulting from bone disease
What is the purpose of using seizure precautions for a patient having seizures?
To protect the patient from injury
Why should nurses protect themselves when caring for a patient having seizures?
To protect against inadvertent injury
What is the potential consequence of an IV line becoming dislodged during seizures?
Aspiration
What is the potential life-threatening complication associated with delayed depression of respiration and blood pressure?
Cerebral edema
Why is IV infusion of dextrose given if the seizure is caused by hypoglycemia?
To correct the low blood glucose level
Test your knowledge of status epilepticus with this quiz. Challenge yourself with questions about the definition, duration, and clinical manifestations of this acute prolonged seizure activity.
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