The nurse is planning care for a client with epilepsy. Which precautions does the nurse implement to ensure the safety of the client while in the hospital? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Have suction equipment at the bedside.
b. Place a padded tongue at the bedside.
c. Permit only clear oral fluids.
d. Keep bed rails up at all times.
e. Maintain the client on strict bedrest.
f. Ensure that the client has IV access.

Answer 1

A, D, F
The bed rails should be up at all times while the client is in the bed to prevent injury from a fall if the client has a seizure. Padded tongue blades may pose a danger to the client during a seizure. Be sure that oxygen and suctioning equipment with an airway are readily available. If the client does not have an IV access, insert a saline lock, especially for those clients who are at significant risk for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The saline lock provides ready access if IV drug therapy must be given to stop the seizure.