The nurse is caring for a 45-year-old male who arrives at the emergency department actively seizing for the past 10 minutes. Which of the following is the nurse’s priority action?

Choice A reason: Gathering seizure history from the spouse provides valuable information for long-term management, such as identifying triggers or medication history. However, during an active seizure lasting 10 minutes, the priority is to stop the seizure to prevent status epilepticus, which can cause brain damage due to prolonged neuronal hyperactivity and hypoxia, making history collection secondary. Choice B reason: Checking glucose levels is relevant in cases where hypoglycemia may trigger seizures, as low blood sugar can disrupt neuronal function. However, during an active, prolonged seizure, the immediate priority is terminating the seizure to prevent cerebral hypoxia and neuronal injury. Glucose checks can follow after the seizure is controlled to identify underlying causes. Choice C reason: Applying soft wrist restraints may reduce injury risk by limiting movement during a seizure. However, this does not address the underlying neuronal hyperactivity causing the seizure. Prolonged seizures (over 5 minutes) risk brain damage or systemic complications, so administering anticonvulsants to stop the seizure takes precedence over restraint application. Choice D reason: Establishing IV access and administering lorazepam is the priority for a patient seizing for 10 minutes. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, enhances GABA-mediated inhibition in the brain, rapidly terminating seizure activity. This prevents status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition causing neuronal damage, hypoxia, or death if untreated, making it the most critical intervention in this scenario.