You have been called to a preschool for a child in seizure activity. On your arrival, staff direct you to a bed in which a 4-year-old boy is lying. Staff state that the child began making "funny" noises in his sleep then began to seize for approximately 60 seconds. Your assessment indicates that the boy is responsive to painful stimuli and is breathing, but has gurgling sounds coming from the upper airway. His radial pulse is rapid and strong and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. Your immediate action in caring for this child would be to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gurgling sounds from the upper airway indicate that the child's airway may be obstructed. The first action should be to suction the airway to clear the obstruction and ensure adequate breathing. Oxygen and positive pressure ventilation may be necessary after the airway is cleared, but should not be the first action taken. A cervical collar is not necessary in the care of a seizure and may not be appropriate for a child of this age.

You Have Been Called to a Preschool for a Child