What should be done if a patient has a seizure?

When a patient has a seizure, the primary focus is on ensuring their safety and providing appropriate care. Protecting the patient from injury is crucial; this includes moving any nearby objects that could cause harm and positioning the patient safely, such as placing them on their side if possible.

Timing the seizure is also important for medical records and to inform healthcare providers about the duration, which can be significant in assessing the patient's condition. Notifying the nurse is essential because professional medical personnel need to be aware of the event in order to provide the proper follow-up care and interventions as necessary.

Allowing the seizure to run its course without intervention can expose the patient to potential harm, and leaving the room would be neglectful, as immediate assistance may be required. Holding the patient down to prevent movement can result in injury to both the patient and the caregiver, as people experiencing seizures may have involuntary muscle movements. Therefore, the best approach is to ensure safety, monitor the situation, and alert medical staff promptly.