Question

The nurse has completed the education for the parents of a child with​ tonic-clonic seizures. Which statements made by the parents indicate further education is​ needed? select all that apply.

a. "Some of the times when I thought he was ignoring me may have actually been seizure​ activity."
b. "He just needs to focus more to prevent these​ attacks."
c. "I know he will outgrow these seizures with​ time."
d. "I hope we can help our son identify his seizure​ aura."
e. "We will watch for the development of status​ epilepticus."

Answer 1

The parents' statements suggesting their child can prevent seizures by focusing and that he will outgrow them indicate a lack of understanding about epilepsy. Education should clarify the nature of seizures and the fact that epilepsy does not necessarily resolve with age.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statements by the parents that indicate further education is needed are: "He just needs to focus more to prevent these​ attacks." and "I know he will outgrow these seizures with​ time." These statements reflect common misconceptions about epilepsy and seizures. It is important to understand that tonic-clonic seizures are a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and are not due to a lack of focus. Additionally, not all children outgrow epilepsy, so it is not appropriate to assume that this will happen without consulting a healthcare professional.

Understanding seizure auras can help in anticipating and managing seizures but it is not a preventive measure. Watching for the development of status epilepticus is a serious condition where seizures follow one another without recovery of consciousness between them, and it is a medical emergency. Hence, vigilance for this condition is appropriate and does not indicate a need for further education. Recognizing that children may not intentionally ignore parents but may instead be experiencing a seizure shows a developing understanding of seizure manifestation.