f. Status Epilipticus.
(1) Series of grand mal seizures experienced by the patient without
regaining consciousness.
(2)
Extreme neurological emergency.
(3)
May occur spontaneously or if anticonvulsant medications are suddenly
stopped.
g. Medical and Nursing Management.
(1)
Objectives of care:
(a) Determine and treat underlying cause of seizures if possible.
(b) Prevent recurrence of seizures and therefore allow patient to live a
normal life.
(2)
Institute and reinforce the importance of anticonvulsant drug therapy:
(a) Drug therapy is a means of controlling the condition; it is not a cure.
(b) Initially, dosage will have to be monitored and altered to provide
maximum control with minimum side effects.
(3) Instruct patient to keep record of events surrounding his/her seizures
(number, duration, time, sleep/eating patterns).
(4) Use of multidisciplinary approach to cope with social, emotional, and
vocational pressures of the person with epilepsy.
(5) Place a padded tongue blade and oral airway at the patient's bedside.
Tape them to the headboard or wall above the bed. This provides easy emergency
access.
(6) Take the seizure prone patient's temperature with a rectal thermometer;
prevents possibility of patient biting an oral thermometer if a seizure should occur.
(7)
Set up suction equipment at the patient's bedside.
(a) Check the equipment daily to be sure it is working properly.
(b) Use during or after a seizure to clear the patient's airway.
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