What is an appropriate initial response when a patient is experiencing a seizure in a hospital?

What is an appropriate initial response when a patient is experiencing a seizure in a hospital?

• A. Restrain the patient to prevent movement during the seizure
• B. Move nearby objects away and cushion the head
• C. Place the patient on their back and give fluids
• D. Leave the room and wait for it to end

Answer: (B)

Safety during a seizure is the priority. The first action is to create a safe space for the person: move nearby objects away to prevent injury from striking furniture or the floor, and cushion the head with a folded item to protect it from impact. This approach stabilizes the environment while the seizure runs its course. Restraint should be avoided because holding someone down can cause physical injury and interfere with breathing. Placing the person on their back and giving fluids during a seizure isn’t helpful and can obstruct the airway or complicate breathing. After the seizure ends, you would typically help them into a side-lying position to keep the airway clear and monitor their breathing and responsiveness, calling for help if the seizure lasts longer than usual or if there are any injuries.

Safety during a seizure is the priority. The first action is to create a safe space for the person: move nearby objects away to prevent injury from striking furniture or the floor, and cushion the head with a folded item to protect it from impact. This approach stabilizes the environment while the seizure runs its course.

Restraint should be avoided because holding someone down can cause physical injury and interfere with breathing. Placing the person on their back and giving fluids during a seizure isn’t helpful and can obstruct the airway or complicate breathing. After the seizure ends, you would typically help them into a side-lying position to keep the airway clear and monitor their breathing and responsiveness, calling for help if the seizure lasts longer than usual or if there are any injuries.