A patient is in status epilepticus. In addition to giving medication to stop the seizures, what would the healthcare professional place highest priority on?
A)Facilitating a CT scan of the head
B)Providing oxygen
C)Assessing for brain death
D)Assessing for drug overdose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Status epilepticus is a true medical emergency because a single seizure can last longer than 30 min, resulting in hypoxia of the brain. In addition to treating the condition, a high priority must be placed on oxygenation. The patient may or may not need a CT scan. Assessing for brain death is not appropriate at this time, the patient needs to be treated. Assessing for a drug overdose is important, but not as important as giving oxygen.

A Patient Is in Status Epilepticus