Specific Causes of Seizures
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Hypoxemia
- Fever (childhood)
- Head injury
- Hypertension
- Central nervous system infections
- Metabolic and toxic conditions
- Brain tumor
- Drug and alcohol withdrawal
- Allergies
Plan of Care for a Patient Experiencing a Seizure
- Observation and documentation of patient signs and symptoms before, during, and
after seizure - Nursing actions during seizure for patient safety and protection
- After seizure care to prevent complications
Nursing Care after the Seizure
- Keep the patient on one side to prevent aspiration. Make sure the airway is patent.
- There is usually a period of confusion after a grand mal seizure.
- A short apneic period may occur during or immediately after a generalized seizure.
- The patient, on awakening, should be reoriented to the environment.
- If the patient becomes agitated after a seizure, use calm persuasion and gentle
restraint.