NCLEX Review & Nursing School

Seizures

– abnormal chaotic electrical discharge within the neuron system of the brain.

Types of Seizures:

• GENERALIZED SEIZURES (TONIC CLONIC, ABSENT SEIZURES)
• PARTIAL SEIZURES (SIMPLE, COMPLEX)

Assessment:

• Unconsciousness, convulsions, muscle rigidity
• Brief loss of consciousness
• Sporadic (isolated), jerking movements
• Repetitive, jerking movements
• Muscle stiffness, rigidity
• Loss of muscle tone

Interventions: (what to remember for the NCLEX)

*Never use a tongue blade.  Do not restrain the patient.

*Pad the siderails.

Dilantin (Phenytoin): (Anticonvulsant Drug)

– Side Effects includes: Ataxia, slurred speech, blurred vision, mental confusion.

– DO NOT WITHDRAW SUDDENLY (SEIZURES CAN OCCUR).

– Administer this drug with Nornal Saline

– Therapeutic Level: 10- 20 mcg/ ml.

– When taking Dilantin, teach pt. to have good dental hygiene (can cause gingival hyperplasia)

Phenobarbital (Barbituate)

– Side Effects:

• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Respiratory depression
• Hypotension

  *No alcohol use while using the drug.

  * Phenobarbital can be habit forming.

Tegretol (Carbamazepine)