A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a school-age child newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder. The nurse should teach the parents to take which of the following actions during a seizure?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Insert a tongue blade between the teeth: Inserting a tongue blade during a seizure can cause dental injury, choking, or aspiration. It is no longer recommended, as it does not prevent tongue swallowing and poses a significant safety risk. Parents should be instructed to avoid placing objects in the child’s mouth. B. Clear the area of hard objects: Removing nearby hard or sharp objects is essential to prevent injury during a seizure. Creating a safe environment minimizes the risk of trauma from falls, bumps, or involuntary movements, which is the highest priority during a seizure. C. Place the child in a prone position: Placing a child in a prone (face-down) position can compromise airway patency and increase the risk of aspiration. The recommended position is on the side (recovery position) to maintain an open airway and allow secretions to drain safely. D. Minimize movement of the limbs: Restricting or holding a child’s limbs during a seizure can cause musculoskeletal injuries or fractures. Allowing the child to move freely while ensuring safety is safer than attempting to restrain movements.