Which of the following is a potential consequence of status epilepticus?

Prepare for the ANCC Adult–Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Status epilepticus is defined as a prolonged seizure lasting more than five minutes or the occurrence of multiple seizures without full recovery of consciousness between them. One of the critical issues that can arise during status epilepticus is hypoxia, which occurs due to the prolonged seizure activity leading to ineffective respiratory function. This can result in inadequate oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs, potentially causing severe neurological damage.

Severe dehydration can also be a consequence of status epilepticus due to several factors. During prolonged seizure activity, patients may experience excessive sweating and increased metabolic demand, leading to fluid loss. Additionally, if the seizures prevent the patient from drinking or if they lead to gastrointestinal losses (such as vomiting), dehydration becomes more likely.

Therefore, recognizing that both hypoxia and severe dehydration are serious complications of status epilepticus underscores the critical need for rapid assessment and intervention in these patients. This makes the choice indicating both A and C the most appropriate response to the consequences associated with status epilepticus.

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