The nurse is walking a patient to the bathroom when the patient begins a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. What should the nurse do first?

Question

a. Perform a brief neurological assessment.
b. Maintain the patient's privacy.
c. Reduce external stimuli.
d. Maintain the patient's airway.

Answer 1

ANS: D
The prime objective in caring for a patient experiencing a seizure is to prevent injury. Maintain a patent airway, and if possible, turn the patient on his or her side to prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs. Do not force an airway or anything else into the patient's mouth once the seizure has begun. Assessment and privacy are important, but airway always takes priority. Reducing stimuli will not help once the seizure has begun.