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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While assessing visual acuity may be part of a comprehensive eye examination, it would not specifically address distortions noted on the Amsler grid.
Choice B rationale
Tonometry testing is used to measure the pressure inside the eye and is typically used in the diagnosis of glaucoma. It would not specifically address distortions noted on the Amsler grid.
Choice C rationale
Distortions when looking at the Amsler grid can be a sign of macular degeneration16. Therefore, arranging for the client to be assessed for macular degeneration would be the appropriate action16.
Choice D rationale
While age-related changes in vision can occur, distortions when looking at the Amsler grid are not typically considered a normal age-related change16. Therefore, reassuring the client that this is an age-related change in vision would not be the appropriate action16.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Supporting the right arm with a sling or pillow can help prevent shoulder dislocation, but it may not directly ensure the safety of a patient who has experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain.
Choice B rationale
While it is true that a patient who has experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain may exhibit some degree of expressive or receptive aphasia, anticipating this does not directly ensure the patient’s safety.
Choice C rationale
Placing the wheelchair on the client’s left side when transferring him into a wheelchair is a good practice, but it may not directly ensure the safety of a patient who has experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain.
Choice D rationale
Patients who have experienced a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain often exhibit impulsiveness and poor judgment. Therefore, providing close supervision can help ensure the patient’s safety.
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