👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-08-23🏷️ Physiological Adaptation🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Also known as: seizures · epilepsy · convulsions · fits
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Seizure Disorder on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
📌 Types
Tonic-clonic = LOC + jerking
Absence = brief staring, no LOC
Aura may precede seizure
✅ Do
Side-lying, protect head, time it
Loosen clothing, suction ready
Pad rails, stay with patient
📌 Avoid
NEVER restrain or force airway
Nothing in mouth during seizure
🧪 Meds
Phenytoin, levetiracetam, valproate
Don't stop abruptly → status
Status epilepticus = give lorazepam
📚 Seizure Disorder — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
A seizure is a sudden, abnormal, excessive electrical discharge of neurons in the brain, and epilepsy is a chronic disorder of recurrent seizures. Causes include head injury, infection, fever, tumors, metabolic imbalances, alcohol withdrawal, and missed antiepileptic medication. Nursing focus is protecting the airway and preventing injury during and after the event. Status epilepticus (continuous or back-to-back seizures) is a life-threatening emergency.
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Key points
Understand these first
A generalized tonic-clonic seizure has a tonic (stiffening) phase followed by a clonic (rhythmic jerking) phase.
An aura (strange smell, taste, or sensation) may warn of an impending seizure.
The postictal phase after a seizure features confusion, drowsiness, and sometimes temporary weakness.
Status epilepticus is continuous seizure activity lasting more than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without recovery between them.
Sudden withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs, alcohol withdrawal, and fever are common triggers.
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Nursing priorities
What to do, in order
Protect the airway and turn the patient to the side to prevent aspiration during and after the seizure.
Stay with the patient, ease them to the floor, and cushion/pad the head to prevent injury.
Do NOT restrain the patient and do NOT put anything in the mouth.
Time the seizure, note the type and progression, and loosen restrictive clothing.
For status epilepticus, ensure airway/oxygen, IV access, and give IV lorazepam or diazepam as ordered.
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Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately
Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness is status epilepticus, an emergency.
Cyanosis, absent respirations, or airway obstruction during a seizure requires immediate intervention.
Never insert a tongue blade or fingers into the mouth or attempt to restrain a seizing patient.
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Labs & values
Numbers to know
Phenytoin therapeutic level (10-20 mcg/mL)
Sodium (normal 135-145 mEq/L; hyponatremia can trigger seizures)
Blood glucose (normal 70-110 mg/dL; hypoglycemia can trigger seizures)
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Patient teaching
What patients must know
Take antiepileptic medication consistently and never stop it abruptly, as this can trigger status epilepticus.
Avoid driving until seizure-free per state law, and avoid swimming alone or working at heights.
Identify and avoid personal triggers such as alcohol, flashing lights, and sleep deprivation, and wear a medical alert bracelet.
❓ Seizure Disorder: NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Seizure Disorder?
Protect the airway and turn the patient to the side to prevent aspiration during and after the seizure. Stay with the patient, ease them to the floor, and cushion/pad the head to prevent injury. Do NOT restrain the patient and do NOT put anything in the mouth. Time the seizure, note the type and progression, and loosen restrictive clothing.
What are the warning signs of Seizure Disorder a nurse must report?
Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness is status epilepticus, an emergency. Cyanosis, absent respirations, or airway obstruction during a seizure requires immediate intervention. Never insert a tongue blade or fingers into the mouth or attempt to restrain a seizing patient.
What do I need to know about Seizure Disorder for the NCLEX?
A generalized tonic-clonic seizure has a tonic (stiffening) phase followed by a clonic (rhythmic jerking) phase. An aura (strange smell, taste, or sensation) may warn of an impending seizure. The postictal phase after a seizure features confusion, drowsiness, and sometimes temporary weakness. Status epilepticus is continuous seizure activity lasting more than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without recovery between them.
What patient teaching is important for Seizure Disorder?
Take antiepileptic medication consistently and never stop it abruptly, as this can trigger status epilepticus. Avoid driving until seizure-free per state law, and avoid swimming alone or working at heights. Identify and avoid personal triggers such as alcohol, flashing lights, and sleep deprivation, and wear a medical alert bracelet.
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Quick Tip
A generalized tonic-clonic seizure has a tonic (stiffening) phase followed by a clonic (rhythmic jerking) phase.