Which of the following describes common seizure triggers that nurses should assess for in a patient with a new-onset seizure?

• A. Sleep deprivation
• B. Acute illness or fever
• C. Flashing lights
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

Seizure triggers are factors that can precipitate seizure activity in someone who is susceptible. When assessing a patient with a new-onset seizure, it’s important to look for several common triggers that nurses should document and consider in planning care. Sleep deprivation is a well-known trigger because lack of sleep increases cortical excitability and can lower the seizure threshold. Acute illness or fever adds metabolic and inflammatory stress to the body, which can provoke seizures, especially in vulnerable individuals. Flashing lights can trigger photosensitive seizures in some people due to heightened responsiveness of the visual cortex to visual stimuli.

Because each of these factors can contribute to a seizure in the right context, the most thorough assessment asks about all of them—recent sleep patterns, any acute illness or fever, and exposure to bright or flashing visual stimuli. Identifying these triggers helps guide safety precautions, education, and monitoring, as well as inform decisions about further testing and management.