Seizure Patient Question

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Hello!

I am currently an RN student and I cannot for the life of me, seem to recall if seizure patients need continuous IV fluids...I looked through all of my neuro notes and read my textbook, but I cannot find it anywhere. All I can find is giving them IV Ativan or other anticonvulsants through an intermittent IV. I would think they would not have continuous IV fluids running through them, because they might injure themselves if they have a seizure, but then what if they need to correct electrolyte imbalances?

Any help you guys could give me is much appreciated. I'm so confused.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Pedi.

A seizure alone does not necessitate IV fluids. There might be another reason why a patient admitted for seizure activity would need IVF though. I've never had a patient injure himself due to IVF during a seizure. Seizure is neither a contraindication nor an indication for IVF.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to nursing student assistance for more answers

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Patients can be on IV fluids while they have seizure precautions, but does not necessarily indicate that they need it just because of that precaution. Their fluids/electrolyte replacements would be due to labs or other indications.

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Maybe you read that it might be a good idea to have IV access?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

If the seizures are new and/or they are frequent you would need an IV access but not necessarily the fluid. Depending on the source of the seizure....let's say Low Na then you would need an continuous IV to correct electrolyte imbalances.

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Thanks so much everyone :) This clarifies things a lot! I have not yet seen a seizure patient, but being in the PICU for my preceptorship, I just might :)

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

they may need a working saline lock, but not continuous IV unless ordered.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
If the seizures are new and/or they are frequent you would need an IV access but not necessarily the fluid. Depending on the source of the seizure....let's say Low Na then you would need an continuous IV to correct electrolyte imbalances.

Of if it is an alcohol withdrawn seizure they would likely get a banana bag. To the OP--what is a banana bag (yes, it is a big bag of yellow colored fluids, but what it in it)? Why would they (the alcoholic) need it?

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