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 B
Explanation
Juvenile arthritis should be suspected in a child who exhibits joint swelling and pain lasting
longer than 6 weeks. Juvenile arthritis refers to a group of chronic inflammatory conditions
that affect the joints in children and adolescents. Persistent joint swelling and pain are
common symptoms of juvenile arthritis and are often accompanied by other signs such as
morning stiffness, limited range of motion, and joint warmth.
, frequent fractures in (option A) is not correct because it, is not typically associated with
juvenile arthritis. Fractures are more commonly associated with conditions affecting bone
strength, such as osteoporosis or certain genetic disorders.
lurching and abnormal gait with limited abduction in (option A) is not correct because it,
may be seen in certain musculoskeletal conditions or hip joint abnormalities, but it is not
specific to juvenile arthritis.
increased joint mobility in (option D) is incorrect because it, is not typically associated with
juvenile arthritis. In fact, joint stiffness and limited range of motion are more characteristic of
this condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The statement that best describes Tanner staging is option B. Tanner staging is a system used
to classify and assess the progression of puberty based on the development of both primary
and secondary sexual characteristics. It provides a framework for evaluating the physical
changes that occur during puberty, such as breast development in females, testicular
enlargement in males, pubic hair growth, and other secondary sexual characteristics. The
Tanner staging system includes several stages that represent the sequential progression of
puberty in individuals.
staging of puberty based on the initiation of primary sexual characteristics in (option A) is not
correct because it, does not encompass the full scope of Tanner staging, as it does not
consider the progression of secondary sexual characteristics.
staging of puberty based on the initiation of menarche (the onset of menstruation) and
nocturnal emissions, in (option C) is not correct. While menarche and nocturnal emissions are
significant events that occur during puberty, they do not encompass the entire Tanner staging
system, which involves a broader range of physical changes.
predictable stages of puberty based on chronologic age, in (option D) is not correct. Tanner
staging is based on the progression of physical changes and sexual maturation, rather than
being solely determined by chronological age. Puberty can vary in onset and duration among
individuals, making chronological age an unreliable indicator of pubertal development.

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