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Worksheetschapter 23
Total questions: 98
Worksheet time: 49mins
Overview: What is a seizure? Fill in the blank: A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the ______ that can cause changes in behavior, movement, feelings, or level of consciousness.
brain
heart
lungs
stomach
What is epilepsy? Fill in the blank: Epilepsy (or seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent ______.
seizures
headaches
fevers
coughs
Which of the following is a cause of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A) Bleeding
B) Tumors
C) Head trauma
D) Edema
E) All of the above
Correcting electrolyte or metabolic imbalance can stop _______.
seizures
headaches
fever
cough
Electrical discharges in the brain lead to uncontrolled muscle activity and loss of _______.
awareness
hearing
appetite
vision
During a seizure, what is a risk due to tongue blocking the airway?
Airway obstruction
Oxygenation increases
Prolonged seizures
None of the above
Prolonged seizures can cause brain damage or death due to lack of _______.
O₂ (oxygen)
CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
H₂O (water)
Glucose
Focal (Partial) seizures affect:
The entire brain
One area of the brain
Only the limbs
Only the face
Focal (Partial) seizures may or may not affect consciousness.
True
False
What are the symptoms of Simple Partial (Focal Aware) seizures?
No loss of consciousness
Symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected
Both A and B
None of the above
Complex Partial (Focal Impaired) seizures are characterized by:
Impaired awareness
May start focal and progress to generalized seizure
Both A and B
None of the above
Generalized seizures usually cause loss of consciousness and bilateral motor activity.
True
False
Fill in the blank: Absence (Petit mal) seizures are common in ________ and are characterized by brief loss of awareness, 'staring spells' or blanking out for a few seconds.
Children
Adults
Elderly
Infants
Fill in the blank: Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief muscle jerks ('shock-like') and are common in ________.
All ages
Infants only
Elderly only
Teenagers only
Fill in the blank: Atonic ('drop attack') seizures involve loss of muscle tone leading to sudden fall or collapse and are common in ________.
Children & adults
Only adults
Only elderly
Only infants
Status Epilepticus is defined as continuous or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness between episodes.
True
False
Fill in the blank: Irreversible brain damage can occur after ______ minutes of no oxygen during Status Epilepticus.
4–6 minutes
1–2 minutes
10–12 minutes
20–30 minutes
What does ABC stand for in airway management?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Arteries, Blood, Capillaries
Assessment, Breathing, CPR
Airway, Blockage, Compression
What is the first step in managing a patient with a seizure?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs) — always first!
Administer anti-seizure medication immediately
Obtain a detailed medical history
Perform a full neurological examination
Nursing & Medical Management: To ensure safety during a seizure, should you turn the patient on their side to maintain airway and prevent aspiration?
True
False
Nursing & Medical Management: Should you restrain movements during a seizure?
True
False
When should oxygen and suction be used for a patient who has had a seizure?
Use after seizure ends to clear secretions.
Use during the seizure to prevent injury.
Use before the seizure to prevent occurrence.
Use only if the patient is unconscious.
What is the purpose of IV access in seizure management?
For emergency medications.
For monitoring blood pressure.
For nutritional support.
For oxygen administration.
What should be considered if seizures persist or the patient cannot maintain airway?
Possible intubation.
Administering more fluids.
Immediate discharge.
Observation only.
What should always be available at the bedside for a patient with a seizure history?
Oxygen
Blood pressure cuff
Thermometer
Glucometer
Seizure Precautions: Which of the following should be ready for a patient with a seizure history?
Suction setup
IV fluids
Blood pressure cuff
Thermometer
What type of side rails should be used for a patient with a seizure history?
Padded side rails
Wooden side rails
Metal side rails without padding
No side rails
In what position should the bed be for a patient with a seizure history?
Lowest position
Raised position
Trendelenburg position
Fowler's position
What should be maintained for a patient with a seizure history?
IV access
Oral antibiotics
Blood transfusion
Oxygen mask
What should be within reach for a patient with a seizure history?
Call light
Water pitcher
Television remote
Magazine
Seizure Precautions: Should restrictive clothing or sharp objects be present for a patient with a seizure history?
True
False
During a seizure: What is the first action to take to protect the patient?
Protect from injury
Give water to drink
Restrain the patient
Leave the patient alone
During a seizure: Should you turn the patient on their side?
True
False
During a seizure: Should you place anything in the patient's mouth?
True
False
During a seizure: What should you note during the event?
Time and duration
Patient's favorite color
Type of shoes worn
Weather outside
During a seizure: Should you stay with the patient?
True
False
Which antiepileptic drug class/type is used in emergencies (IV) and is quick-acting?
Benzodiazepines
Traditional AED
Others
Which antiepileptic drug should be avoided with alcohol, and levels should be monitored? Also, do not take it with milk or antacids.
Diazepam (Valium)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Carbamazepine
Which antiepileptic drugs must be taken consistently?
Diazepam (Valium)
Carbamazepine, Valproic acid, Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Fill in the blank: Take medication exactly as _________.
prescribed
desired
forgotten
guessed
Stopping antiepileptic medication abruptly may trigger a seizure.
True
False
Fill in the blank: Avoid ________ because it decreases drug effectiveness when taking antiepileptic drugs.
alcohol
water
exercise
sleep
Fill in the blank: Report gum overgrowth as a side effect of _________
phenytoin
aspirin
metformin
atenolol
Which dietary management may help reduce seizures?
Ketogenic diet (high protein, low carb)
High sugar diet
Low protein diet
Avoiding sleep deprivation, stress, and flashing lights may help reduce seizure triggers.
True
False
Fill in the blank: ________ may help some patients control triggers for seizures.
Biofeedback
Antibiotics
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
What is the first nursing action during a seizure?
Safety first
Administer medication
Check vital signs
Call the physician
What does an EEG measure?
Electrical activity in the brain
Blood pressure in the arteries
Oxygen levels in the lungs
Heart rate
What do MRI or CT scans help identify in seizure patients?
Structural causes such as tumor or bleeding
Electrolyte imbalances in the blood
Genetic mutations causing seizures
Psychological triggers for seizures
What is the first priority for nursing care during a seizure?
Safety first
Administer medication immediately
Monitor vital signs
Call the physician
What should be monitored during a seizure according to nursing priorities?
Oxygenation
Blood sugar level
Urine output
Skin turgor
What information should be noted about seizure activity?
Time, duration, type, body part involved
Only the time and location of the seizure
The patient's age and gender
The medication taken before the seizure
What should be assessed during postictal care?
Airway, vital signs, orientation, and injuries
Medication dosage and frequency only
Dietary preferences and restrictions
Family medical history
Key Nursing Priorities: Name one safety precaution for patients after a seizure.
No swimming alone, avoid driving until cleared
Encourage vigorous exercise immediately after
Allow unsupervised use of heavy machinery
Recommend fasting for 24 hours post-seizure
What is an aura in the context of seizures?
Sensory warning (flashing lights, smell, feeling) before seizure
A type of medication used to treat seizures
A physical injury caused by a seizure
A test performed to diagnose seizures
What is the postictal period?
Period after seizure — confusion, fatigue, headache
Period before seizure — aura, anxiety
Period during seizure — convulsions, loss of consciousness
Period of sleep — relaxation, dreaming
What is homeostasis?
Balance of body’s internal environment (maintained by electrolytes)
Process of breaking down food for energy
Movement of muscles in the body
Transmission of nerve impulses
What is hyperpyrexia?
Extremely high fever
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Severe headache
What is status epilepticus?
Continuous seizure activity; life-threatening
A mild headache; not serious
Temporary loss of vision; reversible
Short episodes of dizziness; harmless
Why elevate the head of bed 20–30° in patients with ICP?
To reduce intracranial pressure and promote venous drainage.
To increase intracranial pressure and restrict venous drainage.
To improve arterial blood flow to the brain.
To prevent aspiration in unconscious patients.
What is the main danger during a seizure?
Airway obstruction and lack of oxygenation.
Excessive thirst and hunger.
Sudden improvement in vision.
Rapid hair growth.
What medication is used for emergency seizure control?
IV Diazepam (Valium) or Lorazepam (Ativan).
Oral Paracetamol (Tylenol).
Topical Hydrocortisone cream.
Oral Amoxicillin.
What labs are important for metabolic causes of seizures?
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) — Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Glucose.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) — AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) — WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin.
Thyroid Function Tests — TSH, T3, T4.
Fill in the blank: Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) can be caused by _______, edema, trauma, or tumors.
bleeding
infection
dehydration
hypotension
Which of the following is NOT a nursing intervention for increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A) Elevate the head of bed 20–30° to promote venous drainage
B) Avoid neck flexion or anything that increases pressure
C) Monitor neurological status and vital signs
D) Encourage neck flexion to increase blood flow
Fill in the blank: Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage) can cause pressure on brain tissue and disrupt normal _______ activity.
electrical
digestive
respiratory
muscular
Both benign and malignant brain tumors can alter nerve signaling.
True
False
Fill in the blank: Infections such as _______ or encephalitis can lead to swelling and seizure activity.
meningitis
bronchitis
arthritis
dermatitis
Fill in the blank: Blood clots (thrombosis or embolus) interrupt blood flow, leading to _______ , which can result in potential seizures or stroke.
ischemia
hypertension
anemia
hyperglycemia
Which of the following best defines a seizure?
Chronic neurological disorder with recurrent seizures
Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain causing changes in behavior, sensation, or consciousness
Interrupts blood flow to the brain
Caused by tumors only
Fill in the blank: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder with recurrent _______.
seizures
headaches
fevers
fractures
A seizure is a single event, while epilepsy is repeated seizures after other causes are ruled out.
True
False
Fill in the blank: One of the causes of seizures is _______ tumors.
cerebral
renal
hepatic
pulmonary
Which of the following is especially associated with febrile seizures in children?
Stroke (CVA)
High Fever (Hyperpyrexia)
Metabolic/Toxic Causes
Diuretics
Electrolyte imbalances can lead to metabolic toxicity. Fill in the blank: Low or high levels of _______ can trigger seizures.
Sodium (Na+)
Potassium (K+)
Calcium (Ca2+)
Magnesium (Mg2+)
All of the above
Diuretics, vomiting, dehydration, or poor nutrition can trigger seizures.
True
False
Seizures occur when neurons fire _______ and abnormally.
excessively
slowly
randomly
weakly
During a seizure, which of the following does NOT occur?
A) Brain activity surges
B) Oxygen demand decreases
C) Muscle contractions may block the airway
D) Status epilepticus can lead to medical emergency
What is the main medical emergency associated with status epilepticus?
Medical emergency due to hypoxia
Medical emergency due to hyperglycemia
Medical emergency due to hypertension
Medical emergency due to dehydration
Focal (Partial) Seizures originate in ______ part of the brain.
one
two
three
all
Which type of generalized seizure is characterized by brief staring or blank-out episodes, common in children?
Myoclonic
Absence (Petit mal)
Tonic
Clonic
Fill in the blank: Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief, shock-like jerks of _______.
muscles
bones
nerves
skin
Which type of generalized seizure is associated with a high risk of injury due to sudden limpness?
Tonic
Atonic
Clonic
Absence (Petit mal)
Tonic seizures often cause falls.
True
False
Fill in the blank: Tonic-Clonic (Grand mal) seizures are characterized by a combination of _______ and jerking.
stiffness
numbness
tingling
swelling
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of status epilepticus?
Airway obstruction
Hypoxia
Cardiac arrest
Diabetes
Fill in the blank: Status epilepticus is defined as continuous or rapidly recurring seizures without _______ between episodes.
recovery of consciousness
muscle relaxation
loss of memory
increase in heart rate
Which of the following is a cause of status epilepticus?
Sudden medication withdrawal
Excessive sleep
Dehydration
Overeating
What is the first step in seizure emergency management?
Maintain airway (position, suction, prepare for intubation if needed)
Administer intravenous fluids immediately
Give oral medication to stop the seizure
Apply restraints to prevent injury
Which medication is given for rapid effect during a seizure emergency?
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Both A and B
Phenytoin
Name one precaution to maintain safety for a patient at risk of seizures.
Padded side rails up
Keep the room dark
Remove all pillows
Give the patient water
During a seizure, you should restrain the patient.
True
False
What should you do during a seizure to maintain the airway?
Turn patient to side
Give the patient water
Restrain the patient
Put something in the patient's mouth
Which diagnostic test detects abnormal electrical brain activity?
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
X-ray
MRI/CT scan can identify structural causes of seizures such as tumors or lesions.
True
False
What should be documented after a seizure?
Onset, duration, activity, recovery
Medication administered, blood pressure, heart rate
Patient's family history, allergies, diet
Room temperature, nurse's shift, visitor log
What is the first step in the treatment and management of seizures according to the worksheet?
Fix metabolic or structural issues.
Administer antibiotics immediately.
Begin physical therapy.
Schedule regular follow-up visits.
Which of the following is NOT a common antiepileptic medication listed in the worksheet?
Diazepam (Valium)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Aspirin
Phenobarbital
