Feb 22, 2007, 11:35 pm
Hey
Theres the first thing NOT to do, PANIC :)
How to help during a seizure
- If a person is having a small fit — for example, where the person seems to ‘tune out’ but doesn’t fall to the ground or appear to lose consciousness — talk calmly and reassure the person, and repeat any information they have missed during the seizure. Lead them somewhere safe, if necessary.
- If they are having a big fit — for example, falling to the ground with loss of consciousness and jerking body movements — don't restrain them. Make sure there is nothing they can hurt themselves on, put something soft under their head and loosen their clothing if it’s constricting their breathing.
- If they have vomited, lie them on their side so that any fluid can easily flow out of their mouth and not obstruct breathing.
- Do NOT put anything in their mouth or force their mouth open: this may damage the area. They will not swallow their tongue.
- DO NOT move them unless they are in a dangerous position.
- When the fit is over, turn them on their side, reassure them, tell them where they are and that they have had a fit.
- Watching someone have an epileptic fit is very frightening — it can seem to go on forever; stay very calm and try not to panic.
- Depends where you work and what the policy is and it would b listed in the policie manuals located somewhere on your ward, there may be a standing order for IM Diazapam, or some other drug along them lines, or the protocol may be different, ie O2 being applyed, and so forth.
Best of luck for the return to nursing, dont panic, iam sure you will do just fine. Remeber there will be other nursing staff around who you can ask for assistance and to help when needed. Also the other thing I like is the policie and procedure manual. It becomes my best friend when Iam working somewhere new. So long as you follow whats in there, you will b just fine and dandy. !!!!
Best of Luck,
