The nurse is caring for a client who is in status epilepticus.
What medication should the nurse anticipate administering to halt the seizure immediately?
Intravenous diazepam
Oral lorazepam
Oral phenytoin
Intravenous phenobarbital
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by continuous or rapid-fire seizures. Intravenous diazepam is one of the first-line treatments for this condition. It works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thereby helping to stop the seizure.
Choice B rationale
Oral lorazepam is not typically used to halt a seizure immediately due to its slower onset of action compared to intravenous administration.
Choice C rationale
Oral phenytoin is not typically used to halt a seizure immediately. It is more commonly used for the long-term management of seizures.
Choice D rationale
Intravenous phenobarbital is a second-line treatment for status epilepticus, used when first- line treatments such as diazepam are ineffective.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining a patent airway is the highest priority when providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or recurrent seizures. It can lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress and hypoxia.
Therefore, ensuring a patent airway is crucial to prevent hypoxia and further brain damage. This involves positioning the patient to prevent aspiration, potentially suctioning the airway, and providing supplemental oxygen as needed.
Choice B rationale
While placing an intravenous catheter (IV) is an important intervention, it is not the highest priority. An IV allows for the administration of medications and fluids, which are necessary in the management of status epilepticus. However, it is secondary to maintaining a patent airway.
Choice C rationale
Administering diazepam or other antiepileptic drugs is a key intervention in managing status epilepticus. These medications help to stop the seizures. However, medication administration should only occur after a patent airway has been established.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a nasogastric tube (NG) may be necessary in some cases to protect the airway or for administering medications or nutrition. However, this is not the highest priority intervention. The first step in managing status epilepticus is always to ensure a patent airway.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies in the inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea and associated structures) or the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Sensorineural hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound, and it affects the ability to hear faint sounds or understand speech. However, in the Rinne test, if the air-conducted sound is louder than the bone-conducted sound, it indicates that the patient’s hearing is likely normal.
Choice B rationale
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It is a common problem that affects about 15 to 20 percent of people and is especially common in older adults. However, the Rinne test is not used to diagnose tinnitus. It is used to compare air and bone conduction of sound.
Choice C rationale
In a normal Rinne test, air conduction (AC) is better than bone conduction (BC). This is referred to as a positive Rinne test. If a patient reports that air-conducted sound is louder than bone-conducted sound, it suggests that the patient’s hearing is likely normal.
Choice D rationale
Otosclerosis is a condition that affects the bones in the middle ear, causing hearing loss. It is a common cause of conductive hearing loss, particularly in young adults. However, in otosclerosis, bone conduction (BC) is better than air conduction (AC), which is referred to as a negative Rinne test.
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