During a seizure management, which action is appropriate?

• A. Insert a tongue blade to keep airway open
• B. Remove jewelry
• C. Turn patient onto side and protect the airway; do not restrain
• D. Restrain limbs to prevent movement

Answer: (C)

During a seizure, the top priority is protecting the airway and keeping the person safe. Turning the person onto their side in the recovery position and preventing injury accomplishes this best. Side-lying helps keep the airway open, allows secretions to drain, and reduces the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs. It’s important to avoid restraining the limbs, as forcing movement can cause fractures or other injuries, and never place anything in the mouth, such as a tongue blade, because that can cause dental trauma or airway obstruction. After the seizure subsides, stay with the patient, monitor breathing and consciousness, and seek urgent help if the seizure lasts longer than a few minutes or if another seizure follows without recovery.