Jackson Weber is a 5 year old diagnosed with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Teaching form
Situation: Jackson Weber is a 5-year-old male. He was brought to the emergency department (ED) last night by his parent after experiencing 4 seizures at home within a 12-hour period.
Background: Jackson was diagnosed with generalized tonic-clonic seizures 2 years ago. Upon diagnosis, Jackson’s neurologist started him on oral phenobarbital. Jackson has been seizure-free until last night, when he was brought to the ED. He had one seizure in the ED, and it required the administration of lorazepam. He also received a loading dose of phenobarbital in the ED because his blood levels were low. All other blood work was normal. He has been prescribed phenobarbital twice a day. He has an IV in his left arm with an infusion of 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride running at 58 mL/hr. His parent is single and the sole source of financial support. The parent lost their job 3 months ago and has not been able to afford his medications.
Assessment: Jackson’s vital signs have been stable. His pupils are equal and reactive to light. He is able to move all extremities equally. He is awake and alert and is watching cartoons. His parent is at the bedside. He has experienced no seizure activity overnight.
Recommendation: Please continue to monitor for any seizure activity. His parent seems a bit sad, so make sure the parent is okay and can manage Jackson’s illness when going home. Consider conversation with the parent regarding social support.