A nurse is transporting a 12-year-old child in a wheelchair. The child begins to experience a tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Apply soft restraints to the child's wrists: Restraining a child during a seizure can increase the risk of injury, such as fractures or soft tissue damage, due to the forceful muscle contractions. Seizure management focuses on safety and airway support, not restriction. B. Insert an oral airway for the child: Forcing an oral airway during an active seizure is dangerous, as it can damage teeth, oral tissues, or obstruct the airway. Airway devices should only be considered after the seizure subsides and the child is no longer clenching the jaw. C. Move the child to the floor: Lowering the child to the floor prevents falls from the wheelchair and reduces the risk of traumatic injury. It allows the nurse to position the child safely on their side to maintain an open airway once the seizure activity ceases. D. Place a pillow under the child's knees: Padding the knees does not protect the head or airway, which are the greatest concerns during a seizure. Ensuring safety requires moving the child to the floor and protecting the head, not supporting the knees.