Seizures

Question 1

During a seizure*

Answer 1

Protect the client’s privacy and the client from injury (move furniture away, hold head in lap if on the floor).
● Position the client to provide a patent airway.
● Be prepared to suction oral secretions.
● Turn the client to the side to decrease the risk of aspiration.
● Loosen restrictive clothing.
● Do not attempt to restrain the client.
● Do not attempt to open the jaw or insert airway during seizure activity (can damage teeth, lips, and tongue).
● Do not use padded tongue blades.
● Document onset and duration of seizure and findings (level of consciousness, apnea, cyanosis, motor activity, incontinence) prior to, during, and following the seizure.

Question 2

After a seizure*

Answer 2

This is the postictal phase of the seizure episode.
● Maintain the client in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration and to facilitate drainage of oral secretions.

Question 3

Post Seizure Assessment

Answer 3

● Check vital signs.
● Assess for injuries.
● Perform neurological checks.
● Allow the client to rest if necessary.
●Reorient and calm the client, who might be agitated or confused.
● Determine if client experienced an aura, which can indicate the origin of seizure in the brain.
● Try to determine possible trigger (such as fatigue)