Nursing care plan for seizure

Introduction to Nursing care plan for seizure

Seizure is an involuntary and sudden uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain which is considered as a neurological disorder.

Assessment

The nursing assessment for patients with seizures may include following information about the episode:

• Type of Seizure: The initial assessment should include symptoms, the duration, any precipitating factors and the evolution of the seizure.
• Focal or Generalized Symptoms: Focal seizures are limited to specific areas of brain whereas generalized seizures involve the entire brain.
• Status of Consciousness: The level of consciousness should be assessed
• Injury: Any injury sustained during the seizure.
• Medication History: A history of recurrent seizure, previous treatment and its side effect should be taken.

Nursing Diagnosis

A variety of nursing diagnosis related to seizures can be made. They include:

• Ineffective airway clearance related to seizures: Seizures are associated with decreased airway clearance through coughing or a gag reflex.
• Risk for Injury related to seizures: Loss of consciousness associated with seizure poses a risk for injury.
• Ineffective Health Maintenance related to lack of adherence to lifestyle modifications: Seizure results from lifestyle modifications.
• Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume related to inadequate fluid intake : Seizure involves excessive perspiration and inadequate fluid intake.

Outcomes

The patient will:

• Maintain airway clearance
• Maintain safety at all times
• Adhere to therapeutic regimen
• Maintain adequate fluid balance

Interventions

• Elevate head of bed 30 degrees as necessary
• Provide for safe environment
• Instruct patient and family about prescribed medications
• Encourage increased fluid intake
• Administer prescribed medications

Rationales

• Elevating the head of bed decreases aspiration potential.
• Providing a safe environment helps to prevent injury during seizures.
• Instructing patient and family ensures understanding of medications, their administration and purpose.
• Encouraging increased fluid intake helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Administering prescribed medications helps to decrease the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Evaluation

Patient demonstrated the ability to:

• Maintain airway clearance
• Maintain safety at all times
• Adhere to therapeutic regimen
• Maintain adequate fluid balance

Conclusion

Seizure is a neurological disorder which requires immediate and individualized care. With the use of appropriate Nursing Interventions, it is possible to improve quality of life in patients suffering from seizures.

FAQs

1. How can Seizures be prevented?

   Identifying and managing the risk factors such as lack of sleep and stress, controlling medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes, avoiding alcohol and drug abuse, and not missing medications prescribed for seizure can help in preventing seizures.

2. Are seizures dangerous?

   Yes, if the seizure persists for a longer duration or if there is an injury due to seizure, then it can cause extreme harm or death.

3. What are the side effects of anti-seizure medication?

   Common side effects of anti-seizure medications include weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache and loss of appetite.

4. How to recognize an epileptic seizure?

   The common signs of an epileptic seizure include repetitive jerking/twitching movements, staring spells, loss of consciousness, confusion and temporary disturbances in senses etc.

5. What measures are recommended by doctors during a seizure?

   Doctor's primary goal during a seizure is to protect the patient from sustaining injuries. Thus, measures taken during a seizure include cushioning the individual’s head, turning the individual on their side and removing sharp and hard objects from near them.