A client with a history of a seizure disorder has been observed suddenly and repetitively patting his knee. After stopping this repetitive action, the client appears confused but is oriented to person and place but not time

Question

What type of seizure did this client most likely experience?
A) Tonic–clonic seizure
B) Atonic seizure
C) Myoclonic seizure
D) Focal seizure with impairment to consciousness

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
Focal seizures with impairment of consciousness, sometimes referred to as psychomotor seizures, are often accompanied by automatisms or repetitive nonpurposeful activities such as lip smacking, grimacing, patting, or rubbing clothing. Confusion during the postictal period (after a seizure) is common. Atonic seizures are characterized by loss of muscle tone, and myoclonic seizures involve brief involuntary muscle contractions induced by stimuli of cerebral origin. With tonic–clonic seizures, formerly called grand mal seizures, a person has a vague warning (probably a simple focal seizure) and experiences a sharp tonic contraction of the muscles with extension of the extremities and immediate loss of consciousness.