1. Discussion Question :A patient is being seen in the health clinic for treatment of a seizure disorder. Discuss areas of information that would be important for the nurse to address when gathering a history on this patient 2. 3 paragraphs of 3 sentences each 3. 2 references not older than 2015 4. APA style
When gathering a history on a patient with a seizure disorder, there are several important areas of information that the nurse should address. Firstly, the nurse should gather details about the patient’s seizure history, including the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures. It is important to determine if there was an identifiable trigger for the seizures, such as sleep deprivation, stress, or medication non-compliance. Additionally, it is crucial to obtain information on the patient’s experience during the seizure, such as any prodromal symptoms, postictal confusion, or loss of consciousness.
Secondly, the nurse should inquire about any past medical history that may be relevant to the seizure disorder. This includes previous head trauma, history of strokes or other cerebrovascular diseases, brain tumors, or any known genetic predisposition to seizures. Gathering this information can help identify potential underlying causes or risk factors for the patient’s seizure disorder.
Furthermore, it is important to assess the patient’s current medication regimen. The nurse should inquire about any medications the patient is taking to manage their seizures, including the specific drug, dose, frequency, and side effects. It is essential to determine if the patient is compliant with their medication regimen and if they have experienced any breakthrough seizures while on therapy. Additionally, the nurse should ask about any other medications the patient may be taking that could potentially interact with their anti-seizure medication.
References:
1. Fisher RS, Acevedo C, Arzimanoglou A, et al. ILAE official report: a practical clinical definition of epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2014 Apr;55(4):475-82.
2. Brodie MJ, Barry SJ, Bamagous GA, et al. Patterns of treatment response in newly diagnosed epilepsy. Neurology. 2012 Nov 13;79(20):2034-41. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182735d0a.