Epilepsy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recognized type of epileptic seizure?

Accepted Answer

Cataplexy

Answer

Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Answer

Absence seizure

Answer

Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure

Question 2

In adults, the most prevalent form of epilepsy is:

Accepted Answer

Focal seizures

Answer

Absence seizures

Answer

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Answer

Atonic seizures

Question 3

Which EEG pattern is characteristic of absence seizures?

Accepted Answer

Generalized spike-wave discharges

Answer

Focal sharp waves

Answer

Polyspike and wave complexes

Answer

Normal EEG

Question 4

Phenytoin therapy is most commonly associated with which adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Ataxia

Answer

Nystagmus

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Teratogenicity

Question 5

In the context of a seizure, what should be the primary nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the patient from harm

Answer

Administering anticonvulsants

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Answer

Providing emotional support

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Normal development

Answer

Brain tumors

Answer

Cerebrovascular accidents

Answer

Metabolic disorders

Question 7

What is the term for a period without seizures?

Accepted Answer

Remission

Answer

Progression

Answer

Relapse

Answer

Exacerbation

Question 8

Which diagnostic test provides the most conclusive evidence for an epilepsy diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Question 9

Which EEG pattern is characteristic of absence seizures?

Accepted Answer

Generalized spike-and-wave discharges

Answer

Focal slowing

Answer

Polyspike discharges

Answer

Background suppression

Question 10

Which drug is a first-line medication for treating focal seizures?

Accepted Answer

Levetiracetam

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Gabapentin

Question 11

What is the primary mechanism by which valproic acid exerts its anticonvulsant effects?

Accepted Answer

GABA potentiation

Answer

NMDA receptor antagonism

Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channel blockade

Answer

Adenosine receptor stimulation

Question 12

Which adverse effect is commonly associated with phenytoin?

Accepted Answer

Ataxia

Answer

Hirsutism

Answer

Nausea

Answer

QTc prolongation

Question 13

What is the most common type of status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus

Answer

Absence status epilepticus

Answer

Myoclonic status epilepticus

Answer

Complex partial status epilepticus

Question 14

In which situation is surgical intervention for epilepsy most likely to be considered?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacologically intractable seizures

Answer

Bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy

Answer

Childhood absence epilepsy

Answer

Epilepsy with myoclonic absences

Question 15

Which type of focal seizure is characterized by impaired consciousness?

Accepted Answer

Complex partial seizure

Answer

Simple partial seizure

Answer

Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Answer

Myoclonic seizure

Question 16

What is the typical EEG pattern observed during a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

Accepted Answer

High-amplitude, synchronous spike-and-wave discharges

Answer

Low-amplitude, asynchronous spike-and-wave discharges

Answer

Polyspikes and slow waves

Answer

Focal discharges involving multiple brain regions

Question 17

Which antiepileptic medication is considered a first-line treatment for refractory epilepsy, known for its broad-spectrum efficacy and favorable tolerability profile?

Accepted Answer

Levetiracetam

Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Carbamazepine

Answer

Lamotrigine

Question 18

Identify the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying status epilepticus.

Accepted Answer

Excessive neuronal excitation

Answer

Excessive neuronal inhibition

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Answer

Structural brain abnormalities

Question 19

What is the primary objective of vagus nerve stimulation in epilepsy treatment?

Accepted Answer

To inhibit seizure activity by stimulating the vagus nerve

Answer

To excite seizure activity by stimulating the vagus nerve

Answer

To block seizure activity by inhibiting the vagus nerve

Answer

To enhance seizure activity by exciting the vagus nerve

Question 20

In the immediate management of a patient experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, which nursing intervention is of utmost priority?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the patient from injury

Answer

Placing the patient in a Trendelenburg position

Answer

Administering anticonvulsant medication intravenously

Answer

Monitoring vital signs closely

Question 21

In the context of palliative care for patients with refractory epilepsy, what is the primary goal?

Accepted Answer

To improve quality of life

Answer

To cure the seizures

Answer

To reduce seizure frequency and severity

Answer

To prevent complications

Question 22

In epilepsy, which neurotransmitter acts as the main excitatory mediator during seizures?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Question 23

In generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which electroencephalographic (EEG) finding is commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

Generalized polyspike discharges

Answer

Spike-and-wave discharges

Answer

Focal sharp waves

Answer

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDS)

Question 24

Which neurotransmitter plays a pivotal role in the initiation and spread of seizures?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 25

For focal seizures, which medication is considered a first-line treatment option?

Accepted Answer

Carbamazepine

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Sodium valproate

Question 26

In the management of epilepsy, what is the primary objective of anticonvulsant therapy?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing seizure frequency and severity

Answer

Complete seizure cessation

Answer

Eliminating the underlying cause of epilepsy

Answer

Preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

Question 27

When selecting an anticonvulsant medication for a patient with epilepsy, which factor is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

The specific seizure type experienced by the patient

Answer

The patient's age and overall health

Answer

The cost of the medication

Answer

The preference of the healthcare provider

Question 28

Nurses play a multifaceted role in the care of patients with epilepsy. Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of their involvement?

Accepted Answer

Performing surgical procedures to treat epilepsy

Answer

Educating patients about their condition and medications

Answer

Monitoring and managing adverse effects

Answer

Providing emotional and social support

Question 29

Which nursing intervention is most important in preventing injuries during a seizure?

Accepted Answer

Padding the side rails of the bed

Answer

Restraining the patient

Answer

Administering anticonvulsant medication

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a primary mechanism of action for antiepileptic medications?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of acetylcholine release

Answer

Inhibition of voltage-gated ion channels

Answer

Enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission

Answer

Blockade of postsynaptic glutamate receptors

Question 31

In diagnosing epilepsy, which diagnostic tool is considered the primary method?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Blood tests

Answer

Neurological examination

Question 32

What is the term used to describe the period of confusion or disorientation that may occur after a seizure?

Accepted Answer

Postictal state

Answer

Aura

Answer

Interictal period

Answer

Ictal phase

Question 33

During a tonic-clonic seizure, what should be the primary nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Protect the airway

Answer

Administer anticonvulsant medications

Answer

Restrain the patient

Answer

Call 911

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a type of focal seizure?

Accepted Answer

Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Answer

Complex partial seizure

Answer

Simple partial seizure

Answer

Secondary generalized seizure

Question 35

What is the primary objective of pharmacological management for epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Seizure prevention

Answer

Epilepsy cure

Answer

Seizure severity reduction

Answer

Improved cognitive function

Question 36

Which adverse effect is commonly associated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)?

Accepted Answer

Drowsiness

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Leukopenia

Answer

Hypertension

Question 37

Which term describes a seizure that starts in one hemisphere and spreads to the other?

Accepted Answer

Secondary generalized seizure

Answer

Focal seizure

Answer

Complex partial seizure

Answer

Simple partial seizure

Question 38

Which factor increases the risk of developing epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Head injury

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Cancer

Question 39

Which generalized seizure type is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Tonic-clonic seizure

Answer

Myoclonic seizure

Answer

Absence seizure

Question 40

Which non-pharmacological treatment option can be used for epilepsy management?

Accepted Answer

Ketogenic diet

Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 41

What is the term for the sudden, involuntary loss of muscle tone?

Accepted Answer

Atonic seizure

Answer

Myoclonic seizure

Answer

Clonic seizure