Which statement best describes essential seizure precautions in inpatient care?

• A. Restrain the patient and hold the limbs
• B. Protect the head and airway; do not restrain; turn patient on their side and time the seizure
• C. Place a tongue blade to prevent biting
• D. Leave the room and call for help after seizure ends

Answer: (B)

During a seizure, the priority is safety: protect the patient from injury, maintain the airway, and be prepared to intervene if the seizure lasts too long. The best approach is to protect the head and airway, do not restrain, turn the patient on their side, and time the seizure. Protecting the head helps prevent trauma from movements, while turning onto the side keeps the airway open and reduces the risk of aspirating saliva or vomitus. Not restraining avoids causing additional injury that can occur if limbs are held down. Timing the seizure is crucial because prolonged events (lasting several minutes or repeated seizures without recovery) require urgent medical assessment and possible intervention. Placing a tongue blade is not recommended and can cause injury or obstruct the airway. Leaving the room and waiting until the seizure ends delays needed help if the seizure is prolonged or the patient worsens; stay with the patient and summon help as needed.