Seizures essay
Aura is the first phase of the seizure, which is characterized by alterations of smell, hearing, taste, and visual perception. It is a partial seizure that precedes ictus. It is the middle phase of the seizure, which corresponds with the brain’s seizure electrical activity. The symptoms in this phase can last longer than the seizure activity. The final stage is the postictal stage that transpires after the ictus stage. It is the recovery state. Some individuals may take some time to recover, while others may recover immediately.
The difference between these three phases is that in the aura phase, the feeling is indescribable, and at times one can easily recognize a change in attitude. Ictus phase is the stage where the actual seizure takes place while the postictal phase is the recovery stage. A medical caregiver may observe some symptoms, which may help him/her conclude that the patient has a seizure. Some physical symptoms one can assess may include; convulsion, pupils may dilate, the rigidity of body muscles, breathing difficulty, and biting of the tongue. The patient may also be unable to control urination and may sweat uncontrollably.
The nurse should determine the factors concerning the situation of the individual to influence the magnitude of intervention to manage the threat to safety. The caregiver should note the level of competence, the ability to make decision, and the age this determines the capability of the patients to protect others and self. It also influences teaching and the method of intervention. The caregiver should ascertain various conditions that precipitate seizure, which could be drug abuse or prolonged television watching that may increase the activity of the brain resulting in seizure activity. Finally, he/she should review the diagnoses and lab tests for imbalances and impairments to avoid confusion in the intervention.
The nurse should explore seizure patterns and warning signs for the patient to increase the patient’s capability to recognize signs that may require the intervention of a physician and knowing what to do to prevent injury. In case the patients smoke, he/she should be advised not to unless supervised as it may cause burns during the seizure. The use of protective headgear may be encouraged to protect in case the individual suffers from severe seizure. The caregiver should not leave the patient until the individual recovers fully.
The head of the patient should be turned sideways and suction airways to reduce the risk of oral trauma. During the recovery phase, the patient may be confused and disoriented; therefore, help is necessary to alleviate anxiety and regain control (Vera, BSN, & R.N., 2020). In result of uncontrolled muscle expansion and contraction, the patient may complain of some pain calling for further intervention and evaluation. The nurse should lastly give medications as instructed. Seizure therapy depends on the type and frequency of seizure; some may require frequent adjustment in medication or polytherapy.
The maintenance of the nutritional status of the individual can be through intravenous therapy (IV) that enhances fluid delivery to the veins. It can be done through injections or drip. It is the best way to give medication to seizure patients as they are directly introduced to the body through blood. The monitoring of the patient’s condition could be through the assessment of vital signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of dehydration and lab tests such as decreased urine output could assist in monitoring the improvement of the patient’s condition.