HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 14-10
Emergency: Convulsions __RN
PURPOSE:
To provide a safe environment and protect patient from
injury and keep airway open.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Do not place blunt object between victim's teeth.
2. Do not restrain victim.
3. Do not pour liquid into victim's mouth.
4. Do not place victim in a tub of water.
5. In most cases, a seizure will last 2 to 5 minutes.
EQUIPMENT:
Gloves – if available
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Prevent injury by removing sharp or other
dangerous objects from victim's vicinity.
3. Turn victim to one side to prevent aspiration of
saliva or vomitus.
AFTER CARE:
1. After seizure, allow victim to sleep or rest.
2. If seizure was precipitated by a high fever, give a
tepid water sponge bath continuously until fever is
reduced.
3. Document in patient's record:
a. Length and characteristics of seizure.
b. Treatment provided.
c. Patient's response to treatment.
4. Contact physician to report incident and obtain
further orders.
5. Emergency care (call to 911) may be necessary if:
a. Seizure lasts more than a few minutes.
b. Victim has repeated seizures.
c. Victim appears to be injured.
d. Uncertain about cause of seizure.
e. Victim is pregnant.
f. Victim is known Diabetic.
g. Victim is infant or child.
h. Seizure takes place in water.
h. Victim fails to regain consciousness after the
seizure.
a. Initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
if indicated.
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