The nurse is caring for a client with absence seizures. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) asks if the client will "shake and jerk" when having a seizure. Which response from the nurse is the most helpful?

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Absence seizures typically occur in children. The presentation is classic and includes the following: Daydreaming episodes or brief (<10 seconds) staring spells Absence of warning and postictal phases Absence of other forms of epileptic activity (no myoclonus or tonic-clonic activity) Unresponsiveness during the seizure No memory of the seizure The most helpful response by the nurse is one that corrects while educating the UAP (Option A). The UAP may be present when a client has a seizure, and understanding of what to expect will aid client care. (Options B and D) Although it is not the responsibility of the UAP to monitor the client, the UAP may witness a seizure and call for help if needed. (Option C) Seizures may include tonic (body stiffening), clonic (muscle jerking), atonic (loss of muscle tone or "drop attack"), myoclonic (brief muscle jerk), or tonic-clonic (alternating stiffening and jerking) body motions. Absence seizures do not typically involve these body motions. Educational objective: Absence seizures are brief periods of staring; there is no evidence of tonic-clonic activity or postictal confusion. The UAP should be educated about absence seizures when involved in the care of such clients.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Absence Seizures