(4)
Prepare a laryngoscope and endotracheal tube of the appropriate size.
(5)
Monitor the child's cardiac rhythm.
3-15. SEIZURES
Seizures are caused by abnormal discharging of a group or groups of neurons in
the brain. The abnormal electrical discharge can be caused by head trauma,
meningitis, elevated core temperature, or physiological abnormalities.
a. History. Ask these questions of or about the child:
(1) Has the child ever had a seizure before? If so, how often? Have the
seizures occurred when the child has had a fever?
(2)
How many seizures has the child had?
(3)
Does the child have a history of trauma? Diabetes? Headache? Stiff
neck?
(4) If possible, obtain a description of the seizure. Was the child's whole
body affected or just one area of the body? Did the seizure start in one area of the body
and progress to other body areas? Did the eyes deviate to the left or to the right?
b. Physical Examination. Pay particular attention to these areas while you are
examining the child:
(1) Level of consciousness. Observe and note what the child can and
cannot do. Does the child respond in a logical manner to verbal stimuli? Does the child
just drift off to sleep abnormally? If he does this, can he be awakened easily? What
kind of stimuli is necessary to awaken a child who has drifted off to sleep? Can talking
in a normal voice wake him or must you scream to waken him? If nothing can waken
him, does he respond to physical stimuli by moving?
(2) Evidence of fever or dehydration. A child with fever will have hot,
flushed, dry skin; generally, poor skin turgor.
(3) Signs of injury. Check for signs of trauma to the head, tongue, or
anywhere else on the body.
MD0584
3-18