Febrile convulsion – Health of the children has been considered as the vital importance to all societies because children are the basic resource for the future of humankind. Nursing care of children is concerned for both the health of the children and for the illnesses that affect their growth and development. The increasing complexity of medical and nursing science has created a need for special area of child care, i.e. pediatric- nursing.
Pediatric-nursing is the specialized area of nursing practice concerning the care of children during wellness and illness. It includes preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative care of children. It emphasizes on all round development of body, mind and spirit of the growing individual. Thus, pediatric-nursing involves in giving assistance, care and support to the growing and developing children to achieve their individual potential for functioning with fullest capacity.
Febrile convulsion
Definition of Febrile Convulsion:
Febrile convulsion refers to the seizures associated with fever but excluding those related to CNS infections.
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(Ref: Paediatric Nursing, Parul Datta/4th/344)
These are seizures, which occur between 3 months to 5 years of age associated with fever but without evidence of intracranial infection or defined cause for the seizure, and without any history of seizures earlier.
Types of Febrile Convulsion:
The febrile convulsions can be simple benign typical type or atypical complex type.
1. Typical febrile convulsions: These are generalized rather than focal and last less than 10 minutes. It is usually found in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. The fits occur within 24 hours of the onset of fever and usually single per febrile episode. There is no recurrence before 12 to 18 hours of attack and no residual paralysis of limbs. CSF study and EEC are normal after the attack.
2. Atypical febrile convulsions: They predispose to idiopathic epilepsy. The children may have focal convulsions of more than 20 minutes duration even without significant fever. There may have abnormal EEG for two weeks after the attack.
(Ref: Paediatric Nursing, Parul Datta/4th/344)
Management of Febrile Convulsion:
Management of febrile convulsions should be done to control convulsions, to reduce increased body temperature and to treat the cause of fever, usually ARI.
- Anticonvulsive drugs are indicated in prolonged convulsions. Diazepam 0.3 mg/kg IV or 0.5 to 1 mg/kg per rectum or phenobarbital 5 mg/kg IM can be administered.
- Antipyretics (paracetamol, mefenamic acid) and tepid sponge should be given to treat fever. Hydration and nutrition status to be maintained.
- Clearing of airway and oxygen therapy may be needed for some children.
- Rest, comfortable position and hygienic measures to be provided.
- Explanation and emotional support to the parent are important along with necessary health teaching.
(Ref: Paediatric Nursing, Parul Datta/4th/344)
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