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Management of Pediatric Convulsive Status Epilepticus From the Perspective of Emergency Nurses: A Cross-sectional,
Insights
Emergency nurses in Turkey prioritize immediate IV access for pediatric convulsive status epilepticus. When IV access is challenging, non-IV benzodiazepines are crucial first-line treatments.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Pediatric convulsive status epilepticus (PCSE) is a frequent neurological emergency requiring prompt medical intervention.
- Current guidelines emphasize rapid management by healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nursing approaches and management strategies for PCSE.
- To understand these practices from the perspective of emergency nurses in Turkey.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multicenter study involving 162 emergency nurses across 35 Turkish provinces.
- Data collection via an online form, analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Main Results:
- 72.2% of nurses attempted immediate intravenous (IV) access for antiseizure medication administration.
- Rectal diazepam was common in initial therapy, IV diazepam in the second phase.
- Nurses reported challenges with IV access, diagnosing seizure types, and parental support.
Conclusions:
- Emergency nurses play a vital role in the rapid and appropriate management of PCSE according to guidelines.
- Non-IV benzodiazepines are recommended as first-line treatment when IV access is difficult, followed by securing IV access.
Introduction:
Pediatric convulsive status epilepticus is one of the most common neurologic emergencies and should be managed by health care professionals as soon as possible based on current guidelines. This study aimed to determine the nursing approaches and management of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus from the perspective of emergency nurses in Turkey.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted with 162 emergency nurses working in emergency departments in 35 different provinces in Turkey. The data were collected via an online form. Descriptive statistical methods were used in data analysis.
Results:
Most emergency nurses (72.2%) attempted an intravenous access immediately to administer antiseizure medications during the stabilization phase. Approximately half the emergency nurses stated that rectal diazePAM was frequently administered in the initial therapy phase and intravenous diazePAM was administered in the second therapy phase. The emergency nurses had most difficulties attempting intravenous access, determining status epilepticus types, and calming the parents.
Discussion:
As health care professionals and important members of the health team, emergency nurses have the responsibility to manage pediatric convulsive status epilepticus in the fastest and the most appropriate way based on current practice guidelines in emergency departments. When intravenous access is not available, nonintravenous benzodiazepines should be considered in the first-line treatment of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus, followed by immediate intravenous access.
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