Author Question: The nurse has completed education to the parents of a child newly diagnosed with tonic-clonic ... (Read 34 times)

SAVANNAHHOOPER23 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse has completed education to the parents of a child newly diagnosed with tonic-clonic seizures. Which comments made by the parents would the nurse evaluate as indicating need for further education?

1. Some of the times when I thought he was ignoring me may have actually been seizure activity.
2. He just needs to focus more to prevent these attacks.
3. I know he will outgrow these seizures with time.
4. I hope we can help our son identify his seizure aura.
5. We will watch for the development of status epilepticus.

Question 2

The nurse is planning educations sessions for a patient regarding use of a newly prescribed antiepileptic drug (AED). Which topics should be included in this session?

1. The patient should take the medication at the same time every day.
2. If the patient forgets a dose of medication, wait until the next dose is due and take both doses together.
3. The patient should take an additional dose of medication upon experiencing a seizure aura.
4. If the patient experiences side effects of the medication, the patient should skip the next dose to see if the side effects lessen.
5. The patient should avoid using dietary supplements containing kava when on this medication.

rleezy04 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Behavior that manifests as the child ignoring outside stimuli is most likely absence seizure, which is different from tonic-clonic seizure.
Rationale 2: The patient who suffers seizure disorder cannot prevent seizure occurrence by focusing harder.
Rationale 3: The patient with tonic-clonic seizure disorder is less likely to outgrow them than the patient with absence seizure disorder.
Rationale 4: Many patients experience an aura prior to the tonic-clonic phase. Identifying the aura can provide time for the patient to move to a safe area, notify another person of the impending seizure, and to prepare.
Rationale 5: Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that may occur in the patient who suffers tonic-clonic seizure disorder.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,5
Rationale 1: Stable blood levels of medication are important in the control of seizure activity. In order to achieve this stability, the medication should be taken at the same time every day.
Rationale 2: The patient should take the dose as soon as it is remembered but should not take two doses at the same time or close together.
Rationale 3: Oral medications are not delivered rapidly to the system, so taking an additional dose of medication when an aura occurs is not effective in controlling the impending seizure.
Rationale 4: The patient should never abruptly discontinue taking these medications and should not skip doses.
Rationale 5: Kava interferes with many AEDs, often adding to their sedative effects.