CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide is providing care for a resident who is experiencing a seizure. What is the nurse aide's most important immediate action?
- ARun to get the nurse immediately.
- BPlace a tongue blade in the resident's mouth.
- CHold the resident down to prevent injury.
- DLoosen clothing around the resident's neck and turn them onto their side.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Loosen clothing around the resident's neck and turn them onto their side.
During a seizure, the most important immediate actions are to ensure the resident's safety and maintain an open airway. Loosening clothing around the neck reduces restriction, and turning the resident onto their side helps prevent aspiration of saliva or vomit and keeps the airway clear.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While notifying the nurse is important, the immediate safety of the resident takes precedence; leaving them unattended during a seizure is unsafe.
- B. Placing anything in the resident's mouth during a seizure can cause serious injury to teeth, jaw, or obstruct the airway.
- C. Holding a resident down during a seizure can cause injury to both the resident and the aide.
Seizure First Aid
Immediate actions to take when a resident is experiencing a seizure to protect them from injury and ensure their safety.
- Stay with the resident.
- Protect from injury (move objects away, cushion head).
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- Turn resident onto their side to prevent aspiration.
- Do not restrain or put anything in the mouth.
- Note the time and duration of the seizure.
Memory trick: Loosen the tie, turn to the side, then let the seizure ride.