A patient with epilepsy has continuous generalized convulsions lasting more than five minutes without regaining consciousness. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
Correct answer: B. Status epilepticus requiring urgent treatment
- A. A typical postictal state after a brief seizure
- B. Status epilepticus requiring urgent treatment
- C. A focal seizure with preserved awareness
- D. A sleep-related movement disorder needing observation
Explanation
A seizure lasting five minutes or longer, or repeated seizures without recovery, is treated as status epilepticus. It is an emergency because prolonged seizure activity can impair breathing and cause neuronal injury, so urgent airway support and prescribed emergency medicine are needed.
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About Neurological Nursing
Covers nursing assessment and management of stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, head injury, spinal cord disorders, Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include level of consciousness, pupil responses, motor and sensory findings, seizure precautions and distinguishing upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron signs.
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