Nursing the Seizure Patient

Gain the clinical expertise to triage seizing patients, implement emergency protocols, and provide compassionate long-term support for owners.
  • Nurse, PCA

  • 1 hour

      Overview

      Managing a seizing patient is one of the most high-pressure situations in veterinary practice. This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to navigate these emergencies with confidence. You will begin by exploring the different types of seizures and their underlying causes, learning to identify the specific stages of a seizure event—from the pre-ictal phase through to the post-ictal period.

      The course provides practical guidance on effective triage and the immediate support required for distressed clients during the initial event. You will study recommended emergency treatment protocols and the intensive nursing care and monitoring necessary while a patient is hospitalised. Beyond the acute phase, the training focuses on long-term client support, including the implementation of nurse-led clinics to help owners manage their pets' conditions at home. Finally, you will be encouraged to evaluate your current practice protocols, ensuring your team is following the most up-to-date evidence-based standards.

      Intended learning outcomes

      By the end of this course, you should be able to:
      • Describe the stages of a seizure event and how these can be identified
      • Explain the different types of seizure and the clinical signs associated with each one
      • Discuss how to triage a seizuring patient and support the client during the initial event
      • Describe the recommended emergency treatment protocols
      • Describe the monitoring and nursing considerations required during the hospitalisation period, and how best to support the client long-term
      • Evaluate current practice protocols and make recommendations for change if needed
      “I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.”
      HERMANN HESSE, SIDDHARTHA