Final answer:
The nurse should first stop moving and become stationary to guide the patient safely to the floor, protect their head, and place them on their side. Timing the seizure and assessing for injuries post-seizure are also crucial steps. FAST is a mnemonic relevant to stroke assessment, not seizures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient begins to have a seizure, the first and foremost action a nurse should take is to stop moving and become stationary. The nurse should gently guide the patient to the floor if possible to prevent a fall and ensure they are on their side to keep the airway clear. Protecting the patient's head with a pillow or a soft object can help prevent injury. Once the patient is safe and the seizure is over, the nurse should continue to monitor the patient's vital signs and consider if there is a need to activate emergency response if the seizure is unusually long or the patient has difficulty recovering.
It's also essential to remain calm and provide a safe environment for the patient during a seizure. Timing the seizure is important, as prolonged seizures (lasting more than 5 minutes) require medical intervention. After the seizure has ended, it is important to perform a quick assessment for any potential injuries and provide comfort and reassurance to the patient.
The use of the mnemonic FAST is crucial when evaluating someone for a possible stroke, not a seizure. In the case of a seizure, immediate safety measures are the priority rather than stroke assessment which includes facial symmetry, arm strength, speech, and time to call for help.