Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Place the child in a side-lying position. This is the correct action to take during a seizure to prevent aspiration and maintain an open airway. Placing the child in a side-lying position helps to prevent choking or aspiration if vomiting occurs and allows saliva or other fluids to drain out of the mouth instead of being inhaled into the lungs. Restrain the child's arms. Restraining the child's arms is not recommended during a seizure. It can potentially cause injury to the child or the person trying to restrain them. It may also exacerbate muscle spasms and increase the risk of injury during the seizure. Elevate the child's legs on a pillow. Elevating the child's legs on a pillow is not necessary during a seizure and is not a recommended intervention. It does not address the immediate needs of the child during a seizure, such as maintaining an open airway and preventing injury. Insert a padded tongue blade into the child's mouth. Inserting anything into the child's mouth during a seizure, including a tongue blade, is strongly discouraged. It can cause injury to the child's teeth, gums, or oral tissues and increase the risk of choking or aspiration. It may also result in the nurse getting bitten during the seizure. Maintaining a clear airway and ensuring the child's safety are the priorities during a seizure, and inserting objects into the mouth can interfere with these goals.