Question

The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old boy who has epilepsy with no sign of the seizure activity abating. Which of the following would be a priority for this child?

A) Multiple corrective surgeries to slowly remove diseased parts of his brain
B) Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to maximize his potential
C) Support for maintaining self-esteem because of his altered lifestyle
D) Hyperventilation therapy to counteract the periods of decreased oxygenation

Answer 1

The priority for a child with epilepsy would likely be psychological and social support to maintain self-esteem, in addition to standard treatments like anticonvulsant medications and potentially rehabilitative therapies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority for an 8-year-old boy with uncontrolled epilepsy would likely be support for maintaining self-esteem because of this potentially altered lifestyle. This approach addresses the psychological and social impacts of living with epilepsy, which can include feelings of isolation, dependence, and difference from peers. In contrast, other options such as multiple corrective surgeries or hyperventilation therapy are not standard initial treatments for epilepsy and would only be considered in specific circumstances. Anticonvulsant medications, such as diazepam, are often a cornerstone of treatment for managing seizure activity, and additional support through physical, occupational, and speech therapy could help to maximize the child's potential.