SEIZURE PRECAUTIONS EXAM AND
ALL ACTUAL DETAILS 2025-2026
UPDATED.
Primary generalized seizures - Answer consist of paroxysmal,
uncontrolled, aberrant, electrical activity across the brain;
there is no memory of the event, patient is unconscious.
Tonic phase - Answer exhibits abrupt increase in muscle
tone. Stiffening of the extremities occurs (arms and
legs extend, spine arches and jaw clamps shut), pupils
dilate and are non-reactive and consciousness is lost.
Spasms of the respiratory muscles also occur.
Clonic phase - Answer occurs as the tonic phase ends - begins
suddenly and is characterized by quick, bilateral,
severe jerking movements. The patient may have
irregular and labored respirations, sweat profusely,
froth at the mouth, experience incontinence and have
clenched jaws.
Post-ictal phase - Answer begins when all muscles are
relaxed and the patient falls into a deep sleep. This may
last for 1-2 hours and the patient's breathing becomes
more regular and deep and pupils become more reactive
to light. When awakened, the patient may appear
confused and drowsy. Pre-seizure neurological deficit
may be more pronounced.
Absence seizure is a mild form of epileptic attack. - Answer Consciousness may be lost but
there is absence of
, to complex where consciousness is lost and the patient
exhibits bizarre behavior (lip smacking, automotions).
Seizure Precautions - Answer include padding the side rails, and
02 and suction equipment available.
1.If a patient is admitted with seizures, patient should have
an IV access. Notify MD for order if not already ordered.
2. Seizures are a result of changes in the electrical
potentials of the brain and are most often associated with
lack of oxygen to the brain, tumors, bleeds, and high
fevers in children.
3. The side lying position is the best natural opening for the
trachea and the bronchi. Keep the airway open by
turning the head to the left during the seizure.
4. The period of apnea that accompanies jaw clenching
lasts only a minute ortwo, therefore, forceful methods are
unnecessary.
5. Most seizures are self-limiting. Once the brain's oxygen
supply reaches a critically depleted level, the patient's
muscles begin to relax.
6. With status epilepticus, seizures continue and emergency intervention is required.
PATIENT EDUCATION: - Answer Instruct patient and family what to do in case of seizure,
what to observe and report. Instruct the patient to avoid
circumstances that would precipitate seizures; e.g.,
stress, disruptions in regular sleep patterns and irregular
eating. Fever, hypoxia, electrolyte disturbance and Cardiac
disturbance also bring on a seizure. Anticonvulsant medication
must be taken as ordered, and physician follow-up is important.
Refer patient to local Epilepsy Foundation support group
for community resource.
ALL ACTUAL DETAILS 2025-2026
UPDATED.
Primary generalized seizures - Answer consist of paroxysmal,
uncontrolled, aberrant, electrical activity across the brain;
there is no memory of the event, patient is unconscious.
Tonic phase - Answer exhibits abrupt increase in muscle
tone. Stiffening of the extremities occurs (arms and
legs extend, spine arches and jaw clamps shut), pupils
dilate and are non-reactive and consciousness is lost.
Spasms of the respiratory muscles also occur.
Clonic phase - Answer occurs as the tonic phase ends - begins
suddenly and is characterized by quick, bilateral,
severe jerking movements. The patient may have
irregular and labored respirations, sweat profusely,
froth at the mouth, experience incontinence and have
clenched jaws.
Post-ictal phase - Answer begins when all muscles are
relaxed and the patient falls into a deep sleep. This may
last for 1-2 hours and the patient's breathing becomes
more regular and deep and pupils become more reactive
to light. When awakened, the patient may appear
confused and drowsy. Pre-seizure neurological deficit
may be more pronounced.
Absence seizure is a mild form of epileptic attack. - Answer Consciousness may be lost but
there is absence of
, to complex where consciousness is lost and the patient
exhibits bizarre behavior (lip smacking, automotions).
Seizure Precautions - Answer include padding the side rails, and
02 and suction equipment available.
1.If a patient is admitted with seizures, patient should have
an IV access. Notify MD for order if not already ordered.
2. Seizures are a result of changes in the electrical
potentials of the brain and are most often associated with
lack of oxygen to the brain, tumors, bleeds, and high
fevers in children.
3. The side lying position is the best natural opening for the
trachea and the bronchi. Keep the airway open by
turning the head to the left during the seizure.
4. The period of apnea that accompanies jaw clenching
lasts only a minute ortwo, therefore, forceful methods are
unnecessary.
5. Most seizures are self-limiting. Once the brain's oxygen
supply reaches a critically depleted level, the patient's
muscles begin to relax.
6. With status epilepticus, seizures continue and emergency intervention is required.
PATIENT EDUCATION: - Answer Instruct patient and family what to do in case of seizure,
what to observe and report. Instruct the patient to avoid
circumstances that would precipitate seizures; e.g.,
stress, disruptions in regular sleep patterns and irregular
eating. Fever, hypoxia, electrolyte disturbance and Cardiac
disturbance also bring on a seizure. Anticonvulsant medication
must be taken as ordered, and physician follow-up is important.
Refer patient to local Epilepsy Foundation support group
for community resource.
