Question

The nurse is teaching home care measures to the caregiver of a patient with seizures. Which action made by the patient's caregiver during an acute seizure episode indicates the need for additional teaching?

a. Placing objects in the patient's mouth during a seizure
b. Ensuring a safe environment and timing the seizure duration
c. Holding the patient down to prevent movement
d. Administering prescribed rescue medication as directed

Answer 1

Placing objects in the patient's mouth is the incorrect action, all other actions are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The caregiver placing objects in the patient's mouth during a seizure indicates the need for additional teaching. This action is incorrect because it can lead to injury, such as choking or damage to the teeth. It is important to never place anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure. The caregiver should be taught to keep the patient's airway clear by positioning them on their side and removing any nearby objects that could cause harm.

Other actions taken by the caregiver are correct:

1. Ensuring a safe environment and timing the seizure duration: This is important to protect the patient from harm and to provide accurate information to healthcare providers.
2. Holding the patient down to prevent movement: This is done only if it is absolutely necessary to prevent injury. Otherwise, the caregiver should allow the patient to move and protect them from hitting any nearby objects.
3. Administering prescribed rescue medication as directed: This is necessary in certain situations when a rescue medication has been prescribed by a healthcare provider and should be given according to the specific instructions provided.