Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide Signs and symptoms of typical and atypical absence seizures (petite mal): • Staring with fixed gaze • Odd behavior • Confusion • Aura Signs and symptoms of simple partial seizures (focal motor, Jacksonian, focal sensory): • Disturbed speech patterns • Mouth and finger twitching/jerking • Unusual sights • Dizziness • Unusual sounds • Unusual odor • Taste perversions • Possible loss of consciousness Signs and symptoms of complex partial seizures: • Lack of motion • Inappropriate movements • Lip smacking • Automatic/inappropriate movements • Dizziness • Emotional lability • Memory loss • Possible loss of consciousness Signs and symptoms of myoclonic seizures: • Excessive jerking motion of an extremity • Falling Signs and symptoms of akinetic seizures: • Falls without warning (drop attacks) • Loss of consciousness • Syncope (fainting) • Head injury Nursing assessment for epilepsy (seizure disorders): • Assess respiratory status first. Make sure the patient has an airway free from aspiration risk • Assess neurological status, level of consciousness, pupil size, and movement; check GCS scale (Glasgow Coma Scale) • Inquire about seizure history, seizure medications, and recent labs to check medication levels • Evaluate laboratory reports o CBC: Infectious processes can cause seizures, as well as high fevers due to infection o Serum chemistries: Electrolytes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and drug levels o Lumbar puncture: Diseases of the spinal cord; meningitis, trauma can cause seizures o CT scan : Checks for abnormalities in the brain; cerebral edema, vascular changes, and degenerative conditions that can cause seizures, like CVA

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