How should the nurse describe the clonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure?

The clonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure is characterized by spasmodic body jerking. During this phase, the individual experiences rhythmic contractions and relaxations of muscles, leading to noticeable jerking movements of the limbs and body. This occurs after the initial tonic phase, which involves generalized rigidity. The clonic phase typically features alternating muscle contractions and relaxations, and can last for a varied duration, often contributing to the person’s loss of awareness during the episode.

While loss of consciousness is associated with tonic-clonic seizures overall, it does not specifically describe the clonic phase. Generalized rigidity is indicative of the preceding tonic phase, not the clonic phase itself. Tremors of the upper extremities might occur but do not accurately capture the broad pattern of muscle jerking that defines the clonic phase. Therefore, the description of spasmodic body jerking encapsulates the essential characteristics of this phase of the seizure.