which of the following should you not do when a student is suffering a tonic-clonic seizure?
which of the following should you not do when a student is suffering a tonic-clonic seizure?
Answer: When a student is suffering a tonic-clonic (formerly known as grand mal) seizure, there are certain actions you should avoid to ensure their safety and well-being. Here’s what you should NOT do during a tonic-clonic seizure:
-
Do Not Hold the Person Down: Do not restrain the person or try to hold them still. Seizures are involuntary, and attempting to restrain them physically can cause injury to both you and the person having the seizure.
-
Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth: It is a common myth that you should put something in the person’s mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue. This can be dangerous and lead to mouth injuries, broken teeth, or choking. Tonic-clonic seizures do not typically cause biting of the tongue.
-
Do Not Attempt to Wake Them: Allow the seizure to run its course. Do not try to wake the person up during the seizure.
-
Do Not Leave Them Alone: While you should not physically restrain the person, it’s essential to stay with them and monitor the situation to ensure their safety.
-
Do Not Give Food or Drink: Avoid giving the person food or drink during or immediately after a seizure as they may have difficulty swallowing, and there is a risk of choking.
-
Do Not Panic: Seizures can be frightening to witness, but try to remain as calm as possible. Keep track of the duration of the seizure. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it is considered a medical emergency, and you should call for medical assistance.
-
Do Not Forget to Time the Seizure: If you are in a position to do so, note the time when the seizure begins. This information can be important for medical professionals later on.
-
Do Not Ignore Any Signs of Injury: After the seizure ends, check the person for any injuries sustained during the episode, such as cuts, bruises, or injuries to the head. Provide appropriate first aid if necessary.
-
Do Not Rush the Person: After the seizure, the person may be confused or disoriented. Give them time to recover and regain their composure. Offer reassurance and support.
-
Do Not Hesitate to Seek Medical Attention if Necessary: If it’s the person’s first seizure, if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if there are any signs of injury, seek medical attention promptly.
It’s important to remember that individuals with epilepsy or a known history of seizures may have a seizure action plan or specific instructions for their care. Following these guidelines and being aware of the person’s individual needs can be helpful in providing appropriate assistance during a seizure.