Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Chronic Neurological Conditions Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Chronic Neurological Conditions related questions and content

A patient has a tonic-clonic seizure while the nurse is in the patient's room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Insert an oral airway during the seizure to maintain a patent airway.
  • B. Restrain the patient's arms and legs to prevent injury during the seizure.
  • C. Avoid touching the patient to prevent further nervous system stimulation.
  • D. Time and observe and record the details of the seizure and postictal state.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Because diagnosis and treatment of seizures frequently are based on the description of the seizure, recording the length and details of the seizure is important. Insertion of an oral airway and restraining the patient during the seizure are contraindicated. The nurse may need to move the patient to decrease the risk of injury during the seizure.