During a seizure, which action is essential to protect the patient’s airway?

During a seizure, which action is essential to protect the patient’s airway?

• A. Maintain a patent airway and turn the head to the side.
• B. Restrain the patient to prevent movement.
• C. Check the blood pressure immediately after seizure.
• D. Wait for the patient to wake up.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining an open airway is the key priority during a seizure. Positioning the person on their side so the head is turned slightly downward (the side-lying or recovery position) helps keep the airway clear and allows saliva, secretions, or any vomiting to drain away rather than pool in the airway. This reduces the risk of choking or aspiration as the jaw relaxes and muscle tone decreases during a seizure. In this moment, avoid restraining the person or placing objects in their mouth; such actions can cause injury. Instead, loosen restrictive clothing, cushion the head, and protect them from harm without preventing movement. After the seizure ends, continue to monitor breathing and airway patency, and be prepared to provide further assistance if breathing does not resume normally. If seizures last unusually long or breathing is compromised, seek emergency help promptly.

Maintaining an open airway is the key priority during a seizure. Positioning the person on their side so the head is turned slightly downward (the side-lying or recovery position) helps keep the airway clear and allows saliva, secretions, or any vomiting to drain away rather than pool in the airway. This reduces the risk of choking or aspiration as the jaw relaxes and muscle tone decreases during a seizure.

In this moment, avoid restraining the person or placing objects in their mouth; such actions can cause injury. Instead, loosen restrictive clothing, cushion the head, and protect them from harm without preventing movement. After the seizure ends, continue to monitor breathing and airway patency, and be prepared to provide further assistance if breathing does not resume normally. If seizures last unusually long or breathing is compromised, seek emergency help promptly.