The nurse is teaching the parents of a 3-year-old child who has ...

[HCHenry]

The nurse is teaching the parents of a 3-year-old child who has been diagnosed with tonic-clonic seizures. What statement by the parent should indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. I should attempt to restrain my child during a seizure.
  b. My child will need to avoid contact sports until adulthood.
  c. I should place a pillow under my child's head during a seizure.
  d. My child will need to be taken to the emergency department ED after each seizure.

Question 2

A child has been seizure free for 2 years. A father asks the nurse how much longer the child will need to take the antiseizure medications. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. Medications can be discontinued at this time.
  b. The child will need to take the drugs for 5 years after the last seizure.
  c. A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually.
  d. Seizure disorders are a lifelong problem. Medications cannot be discontinued.

[phuda]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Parents should try to place a pillow or folded blanket under the child's head for protection. The parent should not try to restrain the child during the seizure. The child does not need to go to the ED with each seizures; the nurse can teach parents certain criteria for when their child would need to be seen. Discussing what will happen in adulthood is not appropriate at this time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A predesigned protocol is used to wean a child gradually off antiseizure medications, usually when the child is seizure free for 2 years. Medications must be gradually reduced to minimize the recurrence of seizures. The risk of recurrence is greatest within 6 months after discontinuation.