The parents of a pediatric client describe occasional episodes where the client seems to experience a temporary loss of awareness and a blank stare. The nurse suspects which of the following disorders?

Focal awareness seizure

Absence seizure

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Tonic clonic seizure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Focal awareness seizure:
Focal awareness seizures (formerly known as simple partial seizures) involve abnormal electrical activity in a specific area of the brain. These seizures typically cause motor symptoms (such as jerking or twitching in one part of the body) or sensory disturbances (like tingling or visual changes), but the person remains fully aware during the episode. The client’s presentation of a temporary loss of awareness and blank stare is more consistent with an absence seizure than a focal awareness seizure, as focal seizures do not cause a loss of consciousness.

B. Absence seizure:
Absence seizures are a type of generalized seizure often seen in children. These seizures are characterized by a sudden, brief loss of awareness, typically lasting only a few seconds. During the episode, the child may exhibit a blank stare and seem unresponsive, often without any noticeable physical movements. These seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming or inattention, but they can be diagnosed with an EEG (electroencephalogram) showing characteristic patterns. This description matches the parents’ observations of occasional episodes of loss of awareness and a blank stare.

C. Transient ischemic attack (TIA):
A TIA, also known as a mini-stroke, involves temporary neurological symptoms due to a brief disruption in blood flow to the brain. However, TIAs usually last longer than the brief episodes of loss of awareness described in this case, and they are more likely to cause focal neurological not just a transient loss of awareness. Additionally, TIAs are much less common in children and are usually associated with other risk factors like cardiovascular disease or clotting disorders.

D. Tonic clonic seizure:
Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) involve generalized shaking or convulsions, loss of consciousness, and can last from 1 to 3 minutes. These seizures are usually much more dramatic and prolonged compared to the brief, absence-like episodes described here. While they do involve a loss of awareness, the physical manifestations (muscle stiffening and jerking) and duration are distinctively different from the blank stare and brief loss of awareness typical of an absence seizure.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) "The procedure can help determine whether your stroke was caused by a clot or by bleeding": This statement is incorrect. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain, not to assess stroke-related causes. To determine whether a stroke was caused by a clot or bleeding, imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI are typically used, not an EEG.

B) "The procedure can help identify which part of the brain seizure activity is coming from": This is the correct response. An EEG records electrical activity in the brain and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. It can help pinpoint the area of the brain where abnormal electrical activity, such as that seen in seizures, is originating. This makes it an invaluable tool for understanding seizure disorders.

C) "The procedure helps evaluate nerve function to your extremities": This statement is inaccurate. An EEG does not assess nerve function to the extremities. Tests like nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) are used to evaluate peripheral nerve function, whereas an EEG specifically measures electrical activity in the brain.

D) "The procedure shows images of your heart’s electrical activity": This statement is incorrect. An EEG measures brain electrical activity, not the heart's. To assess the heart's electrical activity, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used. Therefore, an EEG and an ECG serve very different purposes.

A. Pernicious anemia B. Hemolytic anemia C. Iron deficiency anemia D. Aplastic anemia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Pernicious anemia:
Vitamin B12 injections are most commonly used to treat pernicious anemia, which is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 due to an inability to absorb the vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is often associated with a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein required for vitamin B12 absorption. As a result, the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia. The treatment of pernicious anemia typically involves lifelong vitamin B12 injections, making this the correct answer.

B) Hemolytic anemia:
It is not typically treated with vitamin B12 injections. Instead, hemolytic anemia may require treatments that address the underlying cause of red blood cell destruction, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, or splenectomy, depending on the type of hemolysis. Therefore, vitamin B12 would not be the primary treatment for this type of anemia.

C) Iron deficiency anemia:
It is typically treated with iron supplements, either orally or intravenously, rather than vitamin B12. While both conditions cause anemia, the treatment for iron deficiency anemia is not vitamin B12, so this is not the correct choice.

D) Aplastic anemia:
This condition is usually treated with treatments such as bone marrow stimulants, blood transfusions, or bone marrow transplantation, rather than vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 supplementation would not be indicated for the treatment of aplastic anemia.

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The parents of a pediatric client describe occasional episodes where the client seems to experience a temporary loss of awareness and a blank stare. The nurse suspects which of the following disorders?

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