Physiological Adaptation Q 143

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John suddenly experiences a seizure, and Nurse Gina notices that John exhibits uncontrollable jerking movements. Nurse Gina documents that John experienced which type of seizure?

  

     A. Tonic seizure

     B. Absence seizure

     C. Myoclonic seizure

     D. Clonic seizure

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Myoclonic seizure

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Myoclonic seizure is characterized by sudden uncontrollable jerking movements of a single or multiple muscle group. Myoclonus is defined as rapid, brief, jerky, or shock-like movements involving muscle or group of muscles. Among all hyperkinetic movement disorders, Myoclonus is considered to be the most rapid and brief. When caused by sudden muscle contraction, it is known as “positive myoclonus,” while a brief loss of muscular tone results in “negative myoclonus” as in asterixis.

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Option A: A tonic seizure causes a sudden stiffness or tension in the muscles of the arms, legs, or trunk. The stiffness lasts about 20 seconds and is most likely to happen during sleep. After the seizure, the client may feel tired or confused.

Option B: An absence seizure causes the client to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds. They are also called petit mal seizures. Absence seizures are most common in children and typically don’t cause any long-term problems.

Option D: Clonic seizures are characterized by repeated jerking movements of the arms and legs on one or both sides of the body, sometimes with numbness or tingling. If it is a focal (partial) seizure, the client may be aware of what’s happening. During a generalized seizure, the client may be unconscious.

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