In the event of a patient experiencing a seizure, what is the nurse’s priority action?

The priority action for a nurse when a patient experiences a seizure is to protect the patient from injury. This involves ensuring the patient's safety by moving potential hazards away from them, positioning them safely (typically on their side to prevent aspiration), and cushioning their head to minimize injury. Seizures can lead to uncontrolled muscular contractions and could result in falls, tongue biting, or other injuries, so immediate focus should be on maintaining a safe environment.

While administering anticonvulsant medication is important in managing seizure disorders and might be required afterward, the immediate safety of the patient is the foremost concern during a seizure. Notifying the physician is also an essential part of further patient management but can occur after ensuring the patient's safety. Documentation of the incident is important for clinical records but, like notifying the physician, should follow after addressing the immediate needs of the patient during the seizure.