Seizure Pts: what to do when it happens?

I'm glad you posted this. I was about to post the same exact question. I'm still on orientation and my patient had a seizure the other day. I have never seen one, and her family was freakin out so it scared me to death. The nurse I was with was calm and handled the situation very well. I'm scared to death of when this will happen to me own my own...and I hope I know what to do

No, you're not just "waiting." After you've alerted someone, if there is no standing order--you're gathering data for the neurologist. You're counting the seconds to how long the seizure lasts, noting what the patient was doing at the time of the seizure, the area of the body where the seizure began-- and more. On this website, scroll down to page 4 and read under General Guidelines, where it lists the things you need to note: http://www.ddsn.sc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/...mtSeizures.pdf

seizures are pretty simple. just ensure that there is oxygen and suction in the room. although they are rarely needed. just time and observe the seizure, ensuring the patient is safe, with enough padding around them so as not to injure themself. there isnt much to do. If they do not come out of their seizure within a couple minutes, then draw a whatever PRN med (usually ativan) is ordered for their seizures. dont bother trying to get vitals with a GTC because they are often hard to obtain and inaccurate. some will throw oxygen on a seizing patient, because they may desat a little but its usually not necessary.

When you have a patient admitted with a seizure disorder, ask them a few questions. What type of seizures do they have? How long since the last one? Are they regular with their meds? Do they have any triggers or auras?

If your pharmacy is anything like mine, it takes them FOR. EVER. to get the patient's ordered meds to the floor. Be agressive in getting their antiseizure meds in them, on time.

Remember that sleep deprivation and fever (something we see a lot of in the hospitalized patient) tends to lower the seizure threshhold.

Seizure pads, oxygen, and suction set-up are the basics for patients at risk of seizures in most hospitals. During a generalized seizure people's jaws often clench & trying to get a yankauer in there will do more damage than good. I've never seen the need to suction a patient following a seizure. If you have a patient on a continual pulse ox while they're seizing, the sat should pop right back up after the seizure. If not, the O2 will come in handy.

During a seizure stay calm. Freaking out is a complete waste of energy in any situation. I suggest you check out the Epilepsy Foundation's first aid tips, including the links on the right side of the page for convulsive, non-convulsive, and special situations. I printed these tips out for my daughter's teachers to help prepare them for her seizures.

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ab...taid/index.cfm

After a seizure many people are sleepy or a little disoriented. If the disorientation persists contact the doctor. It could be a sign of continuing subtle seizure activity.

I hope this helps!