During a tonic-clonic seizure, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

During a tonic-clonic seizure, one of the most critical nursing interventions is to protect the patient's head and extremities from contact with surrounding objects. This measure is essential because the risk of injury is heightened during the convulsive phases of the seizure. Ensuring safety by cushioning the head and moving any nearby objects away helps prevent additional trauma that may occur as the patient experiences jerking movements.

While administering anticonvulsants is important in the management of seizures, it is not an immediate intervention during an ongoing seizure. Similarly, placing the patient in a side-lying position is a beneficial position post-seizure to maintain airway patency and prevent aspiration but should be implemented after the seizure has subsided. Restricting the patient’s movements during a seizure can inadvertently cause harm, as it may lead to more injury or exacerbate the seizure. Therefore, focusing on protective measures around the patient during the seizure is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention.