HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

A child experiences a seizure at school. What is the best response by the nurse regarding the father's concerns?

1. "Do not worry. Epilepsy can be treated with medications."

2. "The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy."

3. "Since this was the first convulsion, it may not happen again."

4. "Long term treatment will prevent future seizures."

The correct answer is: "The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy."

The response indicating that "The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy" is the most appropriate because it provides a balanced and informative perspective on the situation. Responses about seizures in children often involve uncertainty, especially following a first seizure. Statistically, not all children who experience a seizure will go on to have epilepsy, and there are a variety of reasons why a child might have a seizure. This statement acknowledges the father's concerns while also conveying that further evaluation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the seizure. Additionally, it encourages the father to seek further medical advice and possibly a diagnostic process such as EEG or neuroimaging to evaluate the child’s condition more thoroughly. This thoughtful approach respects the father's needs for information and reassurance while recognizing that the situation is complex and requires careful consideration.