A mother reports that her child has episodes where he appears to be staring into space. This behaviour is characteristic of which type of seizure?
Atonic
Absence
Simple partial
Tonic-clonic
The Correct Answer is B
The behaviour described, where the child appears to be staring into space, is characteristic of
B. Absence seizures.
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are a type of generalized seizure that primarily affects children. These seizures are brief and usually last for a few seconds. During an absence seizure, the child may appear to be staring blankly into space, unaware of their surroundings. They may not respond to stimuli or engage in any purposeful activity.After the seizure ends, the child typically resumes their previous activity without any memory of the seizure.
Atonic seizures in (option A) is incorrect because it involves a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a limp or "drop"in the person.
Simple partial seizures in (option C) are focal seizures that affect a specific region of the brain, causing localizedsymptoms such as twitching or tingling in a particular body part.
Tonic-clonic seizures in (option D) also known as grand mal seizures, is incorrect because it involves a combination of muscle rigidity (tonic phase) and jerking movements (clonic phase).
Therefore, based on the description provided, the behaviour of staring into space is characteristic of B. Absence seizures. It is important for the child to be evaluated by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of their seizures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. The characteristic symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal distention, underweight or failure to thrive, thin arms and legs, and foul-smelling stools.
intussusception in (option A) is incorrect because it, refers to a condition where a portion of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent section, causing an obstruction. While intussusception can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly-like stools, it is not typically associated with failure to thrive.
imperforate anus, in (option B) is incorrect because it is a congenital condition in which the opening of the anus is blocked or absent. It can cause difficulties with passing stools, but it is not typically associated with failure to thrive or the specific assessment findings described.
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in (option D) is incorrect because it, is a chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and bloating. While IBS can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, it is not typically associated with failure to thrive, underweight, or the specific assessment findings mentioned.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hydrocephalus refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation ofcerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. In infants, hydrocephalus cancause the head to enlarge rapidly as a result of the increased pressure exerted by theaccumulatingfluid.Thisisknownas"rapidheadgrowth."Theincreasedintracranialpressurecanlead to irritabilityand poorappetite in infants.
The distended scalp veins are another common sign of hydrocephalus. As the fluidaccumulates,itputs pressureon thebloodvessels inthe brain,causingtheveinsin thescalptobecome morevisible and distended.
Cerebral palsy in (option A) is incorrect because is a neurological disorder that affects bodymovementandmusclecoordination,butitdoesnottypicallypresentwithrapid headgrowthordistended scalp veins.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in (option B) is incorrect becauseitisacondition characterized byexcessivesecretionofantidiuretichormone,leadingtofluidimbalance, but it does not usually cause rapid head growth or distended scalp veins. Reye'ssyndrome (D) is a rare condition that primarily affects the liver and brain, and it does nottypicallypresent with rapid headgrowthor distended scalp veins.
Therefore, based on the signs described, hydrocephalus (C) is the most likely disorder in thiscase.Itisimportantto seekmedicalattentionpromptlyforaproperdiagnosisand appropriatemanagementofhydrocephalus in infants.
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