An adult client who has been experiencing a seizure for approximately 15 minutes is brought to the emergency department by private vehicle. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Administer levetiracetam intravenously.
Obtain a STAT electroencephalogram.
Administer lorazepam intravenously.
Obtain a STAT 12-lead electrocardiogram.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Administering levetiracetam intravenously is not the first intervention. While levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug used to control seizures, it is not the first-line treatment for an ongoing seizure, especially one lasting as long as 15 minutes. The priority in this situation is to stop the seizure activity immediately to prevent further complications, such as neuronal damage or status epilepticus. Levetiracetam may be used later for maintenance therapy, but it is not the initial emergency intervention.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a STAT electroencephalogram (EEG) is important for diagnosing and understanding the type of seizure activity, but it is not the first intervention. The immediate priority is to stop the seizure. An EEG can be performed after the seizure has been controlled to assess brain activity and guide further treatment. Delaying the administration of an anticonvulsant to perform an EEG could result in prolonged seizure activity and increased risk of complications.
Choice C Reason:
Administering lorazepam intravenously is the most appropriate first intervention. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts quickly to stop seizure activity. It is the drug of choice for treating status epilepticus and prolonged seizures because of its rapid onset and effectiveness. Administering lorazepam helps to quickly terminate the seizure, reducing the risk of complications and stabilizing the patient for further evaluation and treatment.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining a STAT 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is not the first intervention. While an ECG can provide valuable information about the patient’s cardiac status, it does not address the immediate need to stop the seizure. The priority is to administer an anticonvulsant to terminate the seizure. Once the seizure is controlled, an ECG can be performed to assess any potential cardiac issues, especially if the patient has a history of cardiac problems or if the seizure was triggered by a cardiac event.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering 0.45% NS (normal saline) at 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a client with SIADH. This hypotonic solution can exacerbate the condition by increasing the water retention and further diluting the serum sodium levels, worsening hyponatremia. Instead, fluid restriction and hypertonic saline (such as 3% saline) are typically used to manage SIADH.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining daily weight is crucial in managing SIADH. Daily weights help monitor fluid retention and detect any sudden changes in body weight, which can indicate worsening fluid overload or effective treatment. Accurate weight measurements are essential for assessing the client’s fluid balance and guiding treatment decisions.
Choice C Reason:
Maintaining seizure precautions is necessary for clients with SIADH because severe hyponatremia can lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures. Implementing seizure precautions helps ensure the client’s safety and allows for prompt intervention if a seizure occurs.
Choice D Reason:
Administering 3% saline as ordered is appropriate for treating severe hyponatremia in SIADH. Hypertonic saline helps increase serum sodium levels and reduce the risk of neurological complications. It must be administered carefully and under close monitoring to avoid rapid correction of sodium levels, which can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Choice E Reason:
Encouraging fluid intake is not appropriate for clients with SIADH. Fluid restriction is a key component of managing SIADH to prevent further dilution of serum sodium levels. Encouraging fluid intake would counteract this goal and worsen the client’s condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Assess the client’s oxygen saturation and, if normal, turn off the oxygen. This option is not ideal because turning off the oxygen completely can lead to a rapid drop in oxygen saturation levels, especially in patients who require continuous oxygen therapy. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial, but turning off the oxygen is not recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Normal oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95% to 100%1. If the levels drop below 90%, it can lead to hypoxemia, which can cause serious complications.
Choice B Reason:
Have the client lift the mask off the face when taking bites of food. This option is also not ideal because it can be cumbersome for the client and may lead to inconsistent oxygen delivery. The Venturi mask is designed to provide a precise concentration of oxygen, and lifting it off repeatedly can disrupt this consistency. Additionally, it can be uncomfortable and impractical for the client to manage the mask while eating.
Choice C Reason:
Turn the oxygen off while the client eats the meal and then restart it. This option is not recommended for similar reasons as Choice A. Turning off the oxygen can lead to a significant drop in oxygen saturation levels, which can be dangerous for the client. Continuous oxygen therapy is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in patients who require it. Interrupting this therapy, even temporarily, can have adverse effects on the client’s health.
Choice D Reason:
Determine if the client can switch to a nasal cannula during the meal. This is the best option because a nasal cannula allows the client to receive continuous oxygen while eating. The nasal cannula is less obtrusive and more comfortable for the client, enabling them to eat without significant interruption to their oxygen therapy. Nasal cannulas are commonly used for patients who need supplemental oxygen but also need to perform activities such as eating and talking. This approach ensures that the client maintains adequate oxygen levels while having their meal.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
