Seizures
Seizures among the general populace are more common than most think. According to the CDC, about 1 in every 10 people will at one point or another experience a seizure during their lifetime. The root cause behind seizures is that the individual experiences electrical charges leading to neuronal activity that is considered abnormal. Two or more unprovoked seizures are categorized as epilepsy. For the nurse, handling a patient who has just had a seizure requires a lot of care due to the risk factor and the significant patient education that is often necessary in such cases.
Seizures are of different types, but initial nursing interventions are relatively the same. The DRSABCD model is one that nurses can use to maintain patient safety properly. The acronym is meant to stand for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Defibrillation. These are the critical points to pay attention to while delivering first aid. The nurse should turn the patient on their side while tilting their head so that their airway remains clear. It is necessary to refrain from holding them down, and enough space should be given to them. It is also crucial not to insert anything in the patient’s mouth as this is contrary to what people believe and can be harmful.
Depending on the environment, the nurse should make sure that they call for further assistance while also timing the seizure and noting its various characteristics. This information will be useful in classification. Precautions can prevent the patient from hurting themselves, but restraints should not be applied as there is a risk of injury. If possible, the nurse can provide medication as this helps immensely when it comes to managing the symptoms. Post-seizure care is also vital as it is necessary to counsel them on the experience and make sure they maintain a positive headspace.