If a patient experiences a seizure, what should the nurse prioritize?

When a patient experiences a seizure, the most critical priority for the nurse is to protect the patient from injury and ensure airway patency. During a seizure, there is a risk of the patient injuring themselves due to muscle contractions and movements. The immediate focus should be on creating a safe environment by moving potentially harmful objects away and preventing the patient from falling or hitting their head.

Maintaining airway patency is also vital because seizures can lead to respiratory compromise if the patient's airway becomes obstructed. This can occur due to the tongue falling back or an aspiration risk if the patient is unable to swallow properly. The nurse should position the patient appropriately to keep the airway clear and facilitate breathing.

While calling for the physician and administering anti-seizure medication are important actions, they are secondary to ensuring the immediate safety and airway management of the patient. Placing the patient in a prone position is not advisable during a seizure, as this could compromise breathing further; the side-lying position is preferred to help keep the airway clear and prevent aspiration.