A nurse is teaching the family of a client who has a new diagnosis of epilepsy about actions to take if the client experiences a seizure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale Placing a client on their back during a seizure increases the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration of saliva or gastric contents. During the post-ictal phase or the seizure itself, the tongue can fall back against the pharynx, or the client may vomit. The nurse should instead instruct the family to turn the client onto their side to allow secretions to drain from the mouth and ensure the airway remains patent and clear of obstructions. Choice B rationale The primary goal during a seizure is to protect the client from physical injury caused by uncontrolled muscle contractions. Moving furniture, sharp objects, or hard items away from the client prevents trauma to the head and extremities during the tonic-clonic movements. This intervention provides a safe environment without interfering with the seizure's natural progression. It is a critical safety measure that family members can perform quickly to reduce the risk of fractures, lacerations, or head trauma. Choice C rationale Restraining a client during a seizure is highly dangerous and can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or muscle tears. The force of the muscle contractions against a fixed restraint creates excessive tension on the body. Instead of holding the client down, the family should remain calm and allow the seizure to run its course while ensuring the surroundings are safe. Physical restraint also increases the client's distress and can cause skin breakdown or bruising. Choice D rationale Inserting any object, including a padded tongue blade, into a client's mouth during a seizure is contraindicated. It can cause dental damage, jaw fractures, or even trigger a gag reflex and vomiting. Furthermore, the object could be bitten in half and aspirated, leading to a life-threatening airway obstruction. Modern seizure first aid emphasizes that nothing should ever be forced between the teeth, as the risk of injury to the client and the rescuer is significant.