During the postictal phase, a patient might experience which of the following?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Increased alertness
• C. Confusion and headache
• D. Heightened awareness

Answer: (C)

During the postictal phase, which occurs following a seizure, it is common for patients to experience confusion, disorientation, and headaches. This phase can last from several minutes to a few hours, and during this time, the brain is recovering from the seizure activity. The confusion may manifest as difficulty understanding what has happened or inability to respond coherently. Headaches can also occur as a result of the metabolic and physiological changes that take place during a seizure.

In this phase, patients often do not regain full cognitive function immediately, leading to the characteristic confusion. This supports the choice that highlights confusion and headache as typical symptoms of the postictal state, affirming its accuracy.