Final answer:
To protect a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from seizures, the nurse should keep suction equipment readily available, use padded side rails and maintain an airway at the bedside, and provide prophylactic antiseizure therapy during the first seven days after injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
To protect a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from seizures, the nurse should take several seizure precautions. These include:
- Keep suction equipment readily available - Seizures can cause excessive secretions and the patient may need suctioning to maintain a patent airway.
- Use padded side rails and maintain an airway at the bedside - Padded side rails can prevent injury in case of a seizure, and maintaining an open airway is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation.
- Use prophylactic antiseizure therapy during the first seven days after injury - Administering antiseizure medication can help prevent seizures in the early stages of recovery.