Shortly after the tonic-clonic seizure stops, which actions would be appropriate?

Shortly after the tonic-clonic seizure stops, which actions would be appropriate?

• A. administer one tube of oral glucose
• B. inspect the airway and suction if required
• C. administer a high concentration of oxygen
• D. immobilize the cervical spine with a cervical collar

Answer: (B)

Airway protection is the primary concern as a seizure ends. The person may have lost protective reflexes, have secretions, or have vomited, all of which can block the airway or lead to aspiration. So the immediate step is to inspect the airway and suction as needed to keep the airway clear. If the person is unconscious or not fully protecting the airway but is breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position to help drainage and maintain an open airway, then continue monitoring. Oxygen should be given only if there are signs of hypoxia or if local protocols call for it, not as a routine after every seizure. Oral glucose is not routinely given right after a seizure because the person may not be able to swallow safely, which could cause choking or aspiration. Cervical spine immobilization isn’t routinely applied after a seizure unless there’s trauma or a suspicion of spinal injury; the focus should stay on airway, breathing, and circulation unless there’s evidence of injury.

Airway protection is the primary concern as a seizure ends. The person may have lost protective reflexes, have secretions, or have vomited, all of which can block the airway or lead to aspiration. So the immediate step is to inspect the airway and suction as needed to keep the airway clear. If the person is unconscious or not fully protecting the airway but is breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position to help drainage and maintain an open airway, then continue monitoring. Oxygen should be given only if there are signs of hypoxia or if local protocols call for it, not as a routine after every seizure.

Oral glucose is not routinely given right after a seizure because the person may not be able to swallow safely, which could cause choking or aspiration. Cervical spine immobilization isn’t routinely applied after a seizure unless there’s trauma or a suspicion of spinal injury; the focus should stay on airway, breathing, and circulation unless there’s evidence of injury.