Febrile seizure:
102.2°F (39°C)
- Unconsciousness
- Continuous muscle contraction
- Sustained stiffness
- Alternating muscle contract in a rhythmic repetitive jerking motion
- Syncope
- Incontinence
- Biting of the tongue
- Holding breath
Status epilepticus - Unconsciousness
- Continuous muscle contraction
- Sustained stiffness
- Alternating muscle contract in a rhythmic repetitive jerking motion
- Syncope
- Incontinence
- Biting of the tongue
- Holding breath
Test Results
Blood glucose level because a low glucose level might precipitate a
seizure.
Electrolytes level because an abnormal sodium level might precipitate a
seizure.
Blood level of anticonvulsant medication to determine if medication is
at a therapeutic level and not nearing the toxic level.
Computed tomography (CT) scan to identify lesions on brain that might
be causes of the seizure.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to identify lesions on brain that
might be causes of the seizure.
Lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) to differentiate between nonepileptic and
epileptic seizures.Treatment
Seizures lasting 5 minutes are self-limiting.
Seizures lasting 5 to 10 minutes: administer Ativan (lorazepam), Dilantin
(phenytoin), or Fosphenytoin as ordered.
Administer single medication to reduce adverse effects of multiple
medications.
Transfer the patient to the intensive care unit after 45 minutes.
Surgery might be necessary to remove portion of the brain that is causing
the seizure.(^204) Pediatric Nursing Demystified