Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of seizures. While providing morning care, the patient experiences a seizure. What is the nurse’s priority action? A) Administering an antipyretic B) Placing the patient in a side-lying position C) Administering a vasopressor D) Offering a cup of hot tea E) Providing a muscle relaxant
Correct Answer: B) Placing the patient in a side-lying position
Rationale: Placing the patient in a side-lying position during a seizure helps prevent aspiration and facilitates drainage of oral secretions. This position also minimizes the risk of injury. Administering an antipyretic, a vasopressor, or a muscle relaxant is not the immediate priority during a seizure. Offering a cup of hot tea is inappropriate and does not address the immediate safety concerns.
NCLEX Questions Critical Thinking: Seizure Symptoms
A patient diagnosed with epilepsy is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin). The nurse should instruct the patient to have regular blood tests for which reason? A) Liver function monitoring B) Renal function monitoring C) Complete blood count monitoring D) Serum electrolyte monitoring E) Cardiac enzyme monitoring
Correct Answer: A) Liver function monitoring
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Rationale: Phenytoin is known to cause liver toxicity, and regular monitoring of liver function is essential to detect any abnormalities early. Renal function, complete blood count, serum electrolytes, and cardiac enzymes are not the primary areas of concern with phenytoin use.
NCLEX Review: Seizure Disorder Treatments
A nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed lorazepam (Ativan) for seizure control. The nurse should assess for which potential side effect? A) Hypertension B) Hyperglycemia C) Respiratory depression D) Bradycardia E) Diarrhea
Correct Answer: C) Respiratory depression
Rationale: Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, can cause respiratory depression, especially when administered in high doses. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress is crucial. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, bradycardia, and diarrhea are not typically associated with lorazepam use for seizure control.
Understanding Seizures: NCLEX Priority Questions
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of seizures. During an assessment, the nurse notices the patient experiencing an aura. What is the nurse’s priority action? A) Administering an antipyretic B) Placing the patient in a side-lying position C) Initiating seizure precautions D) Administering a muscle relaxant E) Offering a cup of hot tea
Correct Answer: C) Initiating seizure precautions
Rationale: Recognizing an aura indicates an impending seizure. The nurse’s priority is to initiate seizure precautions to ensure the patient’s safety. This includes protecting the patient from injury by moving nearby objects and providing a safe environment. Administering an antipyretic, a muscle relaxant, or offering a cup of hot tea is not the immediate priority during the aura phase.
Understanding Seizures: NCLEX Delegation Questions
A patient with a seizure disorder is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote). The nurse should educate the patient about the need for regular monitoring of which laboratory parameter? A) Liver function tests B) Blood glucose levels C) Serum electrolytes D) Creatinine clearance E) Complete blood count
Correct Answer: A) Liver function tests
Rationale: Valproic acid is associated with hepatotoxicity, and regular monitoring of liver function tests is essential to detect any signs of liver dysfunction. Monitoring blood glucose levels, serum electrolytes, creatinine clearance, and complete blood count are important but are not the primary focus when taking valproic acid.
Understanding Seizures: Causes and Symptoms
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just experienced a tonic-clonic seizure. What should the nurse prioritize immediately after the seizure? A) Offering a cup of hot tea B) Assessing the patient’s blood pressure C) Placing the patient in a side-lying position D) Administering an antipyretic E) Encouraging the patient to walk around
Correct Answer: C) Placing the patient in a side-lying position
Rationale: Placing the patient in a side-lying position helps prevent aspiration and ensures a clear airway. Assessing blood pressure, administering an antipyretic, encouraging walking, or offering hot tea are not immediate priorities post-seizure. Patient safety and airway management take precedence in the immediate aftermath of a tonic-clonic seizure.
NCLEX Practice Questions: Understanding Seizures Causes and Symptoms
A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed levetiracetam (Keppra) for seizure control. The patient reports experiencing persistent drowsiness and fatigue. What is the nurse’s best action? A) Administer an additional dose of levetiracetam B) Instruct the patient to stop taking the medication immediately C) Encourage the patient to consume caffeinated beverages D) Request an order for a higher dosage of levetiracetam E) Notify the healthcare provider about the side effects
Correct Answer: E) Notify the healthcare provider about the side effects
Rationale: Persistent drowsiness and fatigue may indicate adverse effects of levetiracetam. The nurse’s best action is to communicate these findings to the healthcare provider to explore possible dosage adjustments or alternative medications. Administering an additional dose, instructing the patient to stop abruptly, encouraging caffeine intake, or requesting a higher dosage without professional consultation can lead to further complications.
NCLEX Questions: Focus on Medications for Seizures
A patient with a history of seizures is admitted to the emergency department after a recent episode. The nurse observes that the patient is experiencing postictal confusion. What is the appropriate nursing intervention? A) Administering an antipyretic B) Initiating seizure precautions C) Providing a stimulating environment D) Administering a sedative E) Encouraging physical activity
Correct Answer: B) Initiating seizure precautions
Rationale: Postictal confusion is a common phase following a seizure. Initiating seizure precautions, such as ensuring a safe environment and protecting the patient from potential harm, is the priority. Administering an antipyretic, providing a stimulating environment, giving a sedative, or encouraging physical activity is not appropriate during the postictal phase and may exacerbate confusion or pose risks.
NCLEX Focus Exploring Seizures: Causes and Diagnosis
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient with a history of epilepsy. The patient is concerned about the potential effects of antiepileptic medications on the fetus. What information should the nurse provide? A) Antiepileptic medications do not cross the placenta B) The risk of seizures outweighs the potential risks of medication C) Stop taking antiepileptic medications immediately D) Increase the dosage of antiepileptic medications during pregnancy E) Antiepileptic medications can be safely stopped in the first trimester
Correct Answer: B) The risk of seizures outweighs the potential risks of medication
Rationale: It is crucial to convey that the risk of uncontrolled seizures during pregnancy may pose more significant harm to both the mother and the fetus than the potential risks associated with antiepileptic medications. Abruptly stopping medication can lead to increased seizure activity, which may be detrimental. The decision to continue or adjust medication should involve collaboration between the patient, healthcare provider, and specialists to optimize maternal and fetal well-being.
A patient is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. The nurse notes that the patient has an elevated phenytoin level. What action should the nurse take? A) Administer an additional dose of phenytoin B) Withhold the next dose of phenytoin C) Encourage the patient to double the dose of phenytoin D) Administer a different antiepileptic medication E) Instruct the patient to skip the next two doses of phenytoin
Correct Answer: B) Withhold the next dose of phenytoin
Rationale: Elevated phenytoin levels can lead to toxicity. Withholding the next dose is an appropriate action to prevent further accumulation and potential adverse effects. Administering an additional dose, encouraging doubling the dose, switching to a different medication, or instructing the patient to skip multiple doses without professional guidance can exacerbate the issue or lead to inadequate seizure control. Regular monitoring and appropriate adjustments are essential in managing antiepileptic medications.
