CNRN Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy Management

Question 1

A patient begins having generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity. The nurse's FIRST priority action is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect the patient from injury and maintain airway patency

Answer

The first priority during a seizure is patient safety — protecting from injury and maintaining airway patency without restraining limb movements.

Question 2

Status epilepticus is defined as continuous seizure activity lasting longer than:

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

Status epilepticus is defined as seizure activity lasting ≥5 minutes or two or more seizures without return to baseline consciousness between them.

Question 3

Which first-line medication is recommended for initial treatment of status epilepticus in adults?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine (lorazepam or diazepam)

Answer

Benzodiazepines (IV lorazepam preferred, or IM midazolam) are the first-line agents for terminating status epilepticus.

Question 4

A patient on phenytoin therapy has a level of 8 mcg/mL. The therapeutic range for phenytoin is:

Accepted Answer

10–20 mcg/mL

Answer

The therapeutic serum level for phenytoin is 10–20 mcg/mL; a level of 8 mcg/mL is subtherapeutic.

Question 5

Which seizure type is characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the patient to fall?

Accepted Answer

Atonic (drop) seizure

Answer

Atonic seizures (drop attacks) involve sudden loss of muscle tone leading to falls, often requiring protective headgear.

CNRN Test Practice Test