In the event of a seizure, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Protect the client's head
• B. Place a tongue blade in the mouth
• C. Restrain the patient
• D. Offer water

Answer: (A)

The most important step is to prevent injury by protecting the head during a seizure. The body can jerk violently, and the head may strike the floor or nearby objects, so cushioning the head and keeping the person from falling onto hard surfaces reduces risk of head trauma. At the same time, clear the surrounding area of hard or sharp items and loosen restrictive clothing to aid breathing. Do not try to restrain the person or place anything in the mouth—these actions can cause injury or airway problems. Avoid offering water or other oral intake during the seizure. After the convulsions stop, turn the person onto their side to help keep the airway open, monitor breathing and pulse, and time the event. Seek help if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if another seizure follows without recovery in between. Once stabilized, assess for injuries and provide appropriate care.