Question

Which of the following responses during a tonic-clonic seizure is most appropriate to teach family members of a child who has these seizures?

1) restrain the child
2) insert an airway into the mouth to prevent tongue biting
3) note the time, duration, and activity of the seizure
4) protect child from injury

Answer 1

The most appropriate response to a child having a tonic-clonic seizure is to protect them from injury and to note the details of the seizure without restraining the child or inserting anything into their mouth.

Step-by-step explanation:

When responding to a child having a tonic-clonic seizure, the most appropriate advice to give to family members is to protect the child from injury. This involves cushioning the child's head, moving any dangerous objects out of reach, and gently rolling the child onto their side to help keep the airway clear. It's also important to note the time, duration, and features of the seizure, as this information can be crucial for healthcare providers. Family members should not attempt to restrain the child or insert anything into the mouth, such as an airway, because this could lead to injury or suffocation.

Anticonvulsants, like diazepam, may be used to manage seizures under medical supervision. The goal is to improve the long-term prognosis and reduce the risk of brain damage, but these are typically administered to patients who are actively seizing and are not for self-administration by the patient or family members at home.