During a seizure in a pregnant patient in triage, which action is contraindicated?

During a seizure in a pregnant patient in triage, which action is contraindicated?

• A. Place the client's head in the nurse's lap
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor tonic-clonic activity
• D. Place an oral airway into the client's mouth

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that during a seizure you never put something into the patient’s mouth. An oral airway is contraindicated because inserting it during convulsions risks dental or soft tissue injury, gagging, and, most importantly, aspiration if saliva, blood, or vomit is present. The mouth and jaw are often clenched and the patient may bite, making placement dangerous and potentially delaying airway ventilation. In a pregnant patient, the priority remains protecting the airway, but you can help by turning her to the left side to reduce vena cava compression and to aid drainage of secretions, while keeping the airway open with suction if needed and providing oxygen as available. Monitor the seizure and breathing, and protect the patient from injury without inserting objects into the mouth.