On arrival you find the patient on the ground beside the pool in the recovery position. There are pool lifeguards in attendance.
The lifeguards inform you that the patient had a witnessed tonic/clonic seizure lasting approximately 2 minutes. She has not regained full consciousness yet and appears to be uninjured. The patient is wearing a medic alert bracelet that states she is an epileptic.
PMHx
- Epilepsy
Current Medications
- Unknown
Vital Signs
| Pulse | 120 and regular |
| Respirations | 30 |
| Respiratory Sounds | Nil adventitious sounds |
| Blood Pressure | 122/65 |
| Blood Glucose | 4.0mmol |
| SaO2 | 93% (Room air) |
| Perfusion | Cap refill <2s, pale |
| Pupils | Equal and reactive (sluggish) |
| GCS | 10 (2-3-5) |
| Temperature | 36.4oC |
| ECG | Normal Sinus Tachycardia |
| Oedema | Nil |
Other Relevant Findings
- Patient does not tolerate an OPA – has a gag reflex
- No injuries found on further examination
- Patient has been incontinent of urine
- Unknown further medical history
Prepare a written response to this case study, in the approved format (see over).
In this case study, in particular in the “Pathophysiology section” detail in addition to the ‘standard’ case study template outlined on the following pages:
- Other conditions which may result in seizures (medical and trauma)
- Potential problems of continual and prolonged seizure activity
