A nurse is caring for a child who is having a tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Rationale: A. Placing a pillow under the child’s head may provide comfort but does not prevent aspiration, which is the immediate life-threatening risk. B. Loosening restrictive clothing helps with breathing but is not the top priority during active seizure with vomiting. C. Clearing the area of hazards is important for safety but airway protection always takes precedence. D. The side-lying position maintains airway patency and reduces the risk of aspiration from vomitus or saliva, making this the priority intervention.