Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is the drug of choice for managing seizures in an eclamptic patient?

1. Dextrose

2. Phenytoin

3. Magnesium sulfate

4. Ativan

The correct answer is: Magnesium sulfate

The drug of choice for managing seizures in an eclamptic patient is magnesium sulfate. Eclampsia, which occurs in the setting of preeclampsia during pregnancy, is characterized by the onset of seizures. Magnesium sulfate is preferred due to its anticonvulsant properties and its ability to stabilize the neuromuscular junction. It acts by decreasing neuromuscular excitability and has a neuroprotective effect. In the context of managing an eclamptic seizure, magnesium sulfate not only helps in controlling the seizure episodes but also provides uterine relaxation and may prevent further seizures from occurring. It has been shown in studies to reduce morbidity and improve outcomes for both the mother and the fetus, making it the recommended treatment in clinical guidelines. Other medications, while they may have their own therapeutic uses, are not first-line treatments for eclamptic seizures. For instance, dextrose is primarily used to treat hypoglycemia and would not address seizure activity directly linked to eclampsia. Phenytoin, although a commonly used anticonvulsant in other seizure disorders, is not the drug of choice in this specific situation due to a lack of proven efficacy in eclamptic seizures and potential fetal effects. Ativan, while