PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

During a seizure, what should the nurse do first?

1. Time the length of the seizure

2. Loosen the clothing around the neck

3. Lower the client to the floor

4. Place a pad beneath the client's head

The correct answer is: Lower the client to the floor

During a seizure, the priority is to ensure the safety of the client to prevent injury. Lowering the client to the floor minimizes the risk of falling and sustaining injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, which can occur if a seizure happens while the person is standing or sitting in an unsafe position. Once the client is safely down, the nurse can then focus on other important interventions, such as ensuring the area is clear of hazards and observing the seizure’s duration, which is crucial for assessing the seizure. Loosening clothing and placing a pad under the head can also be important steps in caring for someone during a seizure, but the immediate action of lowering the client to the floor takes precedence to ensure their safety during the episode.