A patient with a new-onset seizure. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Ensure patient safety, protect airway, place on side, avoid tongue blade, monitor.
• B. Place a tongue blade to prevent tongue biting.
• C. Restrain the patient immediately.
• D. Stimulate with loud noise to wake.

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is prioritizing safety and airway control during a seizure. Immediately place the patient on their side in a recovery position to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of aspiration if secretions or vomit occur. Clear the area of hard or sharp objects and loosen restrictive clothing so the patient can move more safely if needed. Do not attempt to insert a tongue blade or forcefully open the jaw, as this can cause dental injury or airway obstruction. Restraining the patient is inappropriate and can lead to injury; the seizure will usually run its course, and you should time its duration and observe for complications rather than trying to stop it forcefully. Avoid giving anything by mouth during the seizure, and do not stimulate the patient with loud noises or other stimuli. After the seizure ends, reassess airway, breathing, and circulation, monitor for prolonged or repeated seizures, injuries, and level of consciousness, and be prepared to provide suction or oxygen if needed and to seek further help if the seizure lasts more than several minutes or the patient does not regain consciousness.