A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Tonic-clonic seizure requires immediate postictal nursing care focused on airway protection, safety, and assessment for injury. After a seizure, the child is typically drowsy, confused, and at risk for complications such as aspiration or trauma sustained during convulsions. Priority care includes maintaining airway patency and assessing for injuries to the head, tongue, and oral cavity. Once stable, further interventions and education can follow. Rationale: A. Placing the child in a supine position is not appropriate because it increases the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration, especially if the child is drowsy or has secretions. The recommended position after a seizure is typically lateral (side-lying) to maintain airway patency and allow drainage of oral secretions. B. Administering an oral antiepileptic medication immediately after a seizure is unsafe because the child may have an altered level of consciousness and impaired swallowing reflex. This increases the risk of aspiration. Antiepileptic medications are administered as prescribed once the child is fully alert and able to safely swallow. C. Offering the child sips of clear fluids is contraindicated in the immediate postictal phase due to the risk of aspiration. The child’s swallowing reflex may still be impaired following a seizure, making oral intake unsafe until full recovery of consciousness and protective reflexes occurs. D. Checking the child for oral injuries is a priority action after a tonic-clonic seizure because trauma to the tongue, lips, or oral mucosa commonly occurs during convulsive movements. The nurse must assess for bleeding, lacerations, or broken teeth to ensure airway safety and determine if further intervention is needed.