Question

Lindsey T. is a 12 year old middle school student who was diagnosed with clonic-tonic seizures 6 months ago. Although she has always performed well in school, she has started having difficulty in her classes because she is falling asleep in class and has trouble concentrating. Her mother complains that she is "not her usual self" and seems listless and depressed. She recently went for her regular dental checkup and had five new carious lesions, although she has always had good checkups before. She is taking carbamazepine chewable tablets four times a day to manage her seizure disorder but still has seizures when she has her menstrual cycle or is under a lot of stress.

Lindsey's seizure continues, and a member of the dental staff calls 911. Upon hearing Lindsey's medical history and the sequence of events, the emergency response personnel determine that she is experiencing status epileptics and intravenous medication is prepared. What would be the best medication to bring her out of this state?
A. Oral clonazepam
B. Intravenous carbamazepine
C. Intravenous diazepam
D. Intravenous phenytoin

Answer 1

The best medication to bring Lindsey out of the state of status epilepticus (continuous seizures) would be intravenous diazepam (Option C).

Step-by-step explanation:

The best medication to bring Lindsey out of the state of status epilepticus (continuous seizures) would be intravenous diazepam (Option C).

Diazepam, also known as Valium, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to stop prolonged seizures. It works by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to calm overactive brain activity during a seizure. Intravenous administration allows for rapid and effective delivery of the medication.

Carbamazepine, mentioned in Option B, is an anticonvulsant commonly used to manage seizure disorders like Lindsey's. However, it is not the first choice for treating status epilepticus.