Question

Willie Jenkins is a 10-year-old boy with a history of tonic--clonic seizures who was brought to the emergency department. He is accompanied by his parents, Clare and John. They report that “it seems like he’s been having one long continuous seizure. We got scared and called the paramedics.” Willie was diagnosed with primary epilepsy 2 years ago and has been receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). Willie is diagnosed with status epilepticus. (Learning Objectives 10, 11)

How is status epilepticus different from a tonic--clonic seizure? 5 pts

What information would be important for the nurse to gather related to Willie’s seizure? 5 pts

Answer 1

Difference between status epilepticus amd tonic clonic seizure:

Most of the cases tonic clonic seizure will end within 1-2 minutes,but it will produce post ictal sympy for longer time. So sometimes it is difficult to tell when the seizure begins and ends. While status epilepticus is prolonged tonic clonic seizure that lasts 5 minutes or longer.

A seizure that may lasts longer than five minutes or occuring more than one seizures within five minutes period is called status epilepticus. In this type there will be no return of normal level of consciousness between the seizure episodes.

The nurse should gather following informations:

1. Exact duration of seizure episode to confirm whether it is tonic clonic or status epilepticus.

2. Is there any multiple episodes of seizure activity.

3. What the child was doing before during and after the seizure episode.

4.As the child has history of status epilepticus, confirm when he received the last dose of medication.

5. Confirm about the child's mental status after cessation of seizure activity.

6.Is there any involvement of extremities or any other body parts.

7. Information about incontinence and cyanosis.