What nursing intervention should be prioritized for a patient experiencing a seizure?

In the context of a patient experiencing a seizure, the prioritized nursing intervention is to protect the patient's head. During a seizure, individuals are at risk of falling or hitting their heads against hard surfaces, which can lead to serious injuries. By ensuring the head is cushioned or shielded from impact, the nurse helps to minimize the risk of traumatic injury.

This intervention is critical as it directly addresses the immediate physical safety of the patient during the seizure. Protecting the head can be done by placing a soft object, such as a folded blanket, under the person’s head, or using arms to guard against injury if blankets or pillows are not available.

While the other interventions are important in the broader context of managing a seizure, they are not as immediately critical as protecting the patient’s head during the active seizure phase. For instance, starting CPR is not indicated unless the patient shows signs of respiratory failure or no pulse after the seizure. Administering oxygen and checking blood sugar also play roles in the overall management of the patient, but they are secondary to ensuring immediate safety during the seizure itself.