NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A nurse is caring for a client on seizure precautions. Which intervention is appropriate?

Correct answer

Pad the side rails, keep the bed in low position, have suction and oxygen available, and during a seizure protect the head and turn the client to the side — do not restrain or put anything in the mouth

  1. A Pad the side rails, keep the bed in low position, have suction and oxygen available, and during a seizure protect the head and turn the client to the side — do not restrain or put anything in the mouth
  2. B Hold the client down firmly
  3. C Restrain the client during a seizure
  4. D Insert a tongue blade during a seizure

Why this is the answer

SEIZURE PRECAUTIONS and care: PREPARE the environment — pad side rails, keep the bed in LOW position, have SUCTION and OXYGEN available, remove hazards. DURING a seizure: PROTECT the client (cushion/protect the head, turn the client to the SIDE to maintain the airway and prevent aspiration, loosen tight clothing, clear the area, time the seizure, stay with the client). NCLEX safe care/safety.

Do not: restrain the client (can cause injury), put ANYTHING in the mouth (no tongue blade — risk of injury/airway obstruction; the old myth of swallowing the tongue is false), or hold the client down.

After: assess, allow rest (postictal), document. Knowing correct seizure precautions and care (protect, side-lying, never restrain or put objects in the mouth) is a heavily tested NCLEX safety concept.

Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Seizure Precautions

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About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, isolation set-up, sterile technique, error prevention, restraints, and emergency and disaster response. This is one of 24 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on safety and infection control, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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