https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nursing/w/vet-nurse-revision-2/664/seizures-answersWelcome to the Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part II) by Vanessa Bird VN. This guide contains notes, self-test questionnaires and practical tasks to help you through your exams (Level 2/3 NVQ, and beyond), and to use as a reference afterwards.Apren-USTelligent Community 10https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nursing/w/vet-nurse-revision-2/664/seizures-answersTue, 21 Apr 2009 06:45:59 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:09eb23bb-e421-4bc1-aafb-d7c0f750531fArlo Guthriehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/nursing/w/vet-nurse-revision-2/664/seizures-answers#commentsCurrent Revision posted to Revision Guide For Student Nurses - Part 2 by Arlo Guthrie on 4/21/2009 6:45:59 AM<br /> <p><strong>ANSWERS</strong></p> <ol class="wikiextraspace"> <li><strong>By what other names might a seizure be known?</strong> <ul> <li>Convulsion. </li> <li>Ictus. </li> <li>Fit. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Describe the clinical signs that may occur during a seizure.</strong> <ul> <li>Generalised, spasmodic, involuntary contractions of the body and limbs, alternating with relaxation. </li> <li>Loss of consciousness. </li> <li>Aggression. </li> <li>Salivation/drooling. </li> <li>Collapse. </li> <li>Glazed expression. </li> <li>Lack of response to stimuli. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>What is the name given to a series of rapid epileptic spasms that occur without periods of consciousness that may last for many hours.</strong><br />Status epilepticus. </li> <li><strong>What is the name of the drug that may be used to sedate animals suffering from status epilepticus?</strong><br />Sagatal. </li> <li><strong>What is meant by idiopathic epilepsy?</strong><br />Epilepsy of unknown cause. </li> <li><strong>What breed of dog is most commonly affected by seizures occurring as a result of a brain tumour?</strong><br />Boxer. </li> <li><strong>What is syncope?</strong><br />A fainting episode. </li> <li><strong>Seizures may arise as a result of inflammation to the brain. Can you state 2 examples of bacterial infections that may cause such seizures?</strong> <ul> <li>Bacterial meningitis. </li> <li>Abscess. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Give 3 examples of viral infections that may cause inflammation to the brain resulting in seizures.</strong> <ul> <li>Viral meningitis. </li> <li>Canine distemper. </li> <li>Rabies. </li> <li>Feline panleucopenia. </li> <li>FIP. </li> <li>FeLV. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>What is the name of the condition characterised by an accumulation of CSF in the cranium that may cause seizures?</strong><br />Hydrocephalus. </li> <li><strong>Give 2 examples of dog breeds predisposed to hydrocephalus.</strong> <ul> <li>Chihuahua. </li> <li>Pomeranian. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>List 5 toxins that may cause seizures.</strong> <ul> <li>Ethylene glycol. </li> <li>Arsenic. </li> <li>Metaldehyde. </li> <li>Alphachoralose. </li> <li>Strychnine. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>What is the name of the condition in which blood calcium is too low that may cause seizures?</strong><br />Hypocalcaemia. </li> <li><strong>What is the name of the condition in which blood glucose is too low that may cause seizures?</strong><br />Hypoglycaemia. </li> <li><strong>What is the name of the period prior to a fit?</strong><br />The aura. </li> <li><strong>List 6 signs that may occur during the aura.</strong> <ul> <li>Restlessness. </li> <li>Staring expression. </li> <li>Salivation. </li> <li>Licking of the lips. </li> <li>Muscle twitching. </li> <li>Hyperaesthesia. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>What may occur during the clonic phase of a fit?</strong> <ul> <li>Purposeless running movements of the limbs. </li> <li>Voiding of urine and faeces. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>During which phase of a fit would hyperextension of the limbs and body occur?</strong><br />The tonic phase. </li> <li><strong>How long is the post ictal phase of a fit?</strong><br />This is of variable duration and may last from 30 seconds up to an hour. </li> <li><strong>A client telephones the surgery in a panic. Her boxer is fitting and she wants to bring him to the surgery immediately. Why would you advise against this, and what advice would you recommend?</strong> <ul> <li>Unless the animal is in status epilepticus the best first aid is to allow the fit to pass naturally. </li> <li>Advise that trying to handle the dog during the fit may result in the owner being bitten. </li> <li>Advise that the owner move any objects that may prove injurious away from the dog. </li> <li>Suggest that she draw the curtains and switch off the television/radio. A calm, quiet environment must be provided. </li> <li>Advise that although a fit is very frightening for an owner to witness, it will pass, and it is better for all concerned if she tries to remain calm. </li> <li>Recommend that a note is taken of the date, time and duration of the fit. </li> <li>Allow adequate time to recover before bringing the dog to the surgery. </li> <li>Stimulation during a journey may provoke further fits. </li> <li>If this is a first fit, and the dog is not known to be epileptic, advise that the owner check the house and garden for potential toxins. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>List 4 drugs that may be used to help to control epilepsy.</strong> <ul> <li>Epiphen (phenobarbitone). </li> <li>Mysoline. </li> <li>Diazepam (valium). </li> <li>Genetrix (potassium bromide). </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>What is the name given to a short-duration fit that may only manifest itself as muscle tremors?</strong><br />Petit mal fit. </li> </ol><div style="clear:both;"></div>