A patient, being treated for a traumatic brain injury for 3 days, begins to seize. Which of the following is a priority in the care of this patient?
1. lower the head of the bed to a 10 degree angle
2. administer intravenous Dilantin
3. administer Cerebyx 4 mg per kg of patient body weight
4. keep the patient safe and maintain the airway
4
Rationale: Priorities for the care of a patient with a traumatic brain injury that begins to demonstrate seizure activity include keeping the patient safe and maintain airway, breathing, and circulation. The head of the bed should not be lowered to a 10 degree angle. For acute onset of seizures, the drug of choice is Ativan which should be administered first. Dilantin and Cerebyx are used for the long-term control of seizure activity and should not be administered before the seizure is controlled.
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