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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
When assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness, the nurse’s initial action should be to assess the patient’s response to pain. This is a fundamental part of the neurological examination and can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function. Pain response can be assessed by applying a painful stimulus, such as a pinch, and observing the patient’s reaction.
Choice A rationale
Assessing the patient’s ability to follow complex commands is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. This assessment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s judgment is an important part of the mental status examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. Like the ability to follow complex commands, judgment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be assessable in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the patient’s verbal response is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. The patient’s ability to speak and the content of their speech can provide important information about their neurological function, but this assessment may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This statement is not accurate. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by periods of new symptoms or relapses that develop over days or weeks and usually improve partially or completely. These episodes are followed by periods of remission, where the disease does not progress. Therefore, RRMS does not cause a steady and gradual decline in function.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. Stress and extreme fatigue can trigger a relapse in RRMS1. Therefore, it is important for patients to avoid these triggers to manage their symptoms effectively.
Choice C rationale
This statement is incorrect. RRMS is the most common disease course at the time of diagnosis. It is not the least common type of multiple sclerosis.
Choice D rationale
This statement is not accurate. Medications for RRMS, known as disease-modifying treatments (DMT), are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. They are not intended to be taken only during times of relapse, but rather on an ongoing basis to manage the disease.
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