Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What can a nurse aide do to ensure the safety of a resident with epilepsy during a seizure?

1. Make the area safe by removing items that can harm the resident

2. Place a spoon in the resident's mouth to prevent biting their tongue

3. Hold the resident's arms to prevent injury

4. Scream for help to alert other staff members

The correct answer is: Make the area safe by removing items that can harm the resident

Ensuring the safety of a resident with epilepsy during a seizure is critical, and making the area safe by removing items that could potentially harm the resident is the best way to achieve this. This action helps create a secure environment and minimizes the risk of injury from surrounding objects. It is essential to clear away any sharp or hard items that the person could potentially hit during the convulsions and to ensure they are on a soft surface if possible. On the other hand, placing a spoon in the resident's mouth is harmful and misguided, as it does not prevent tongue-biting and poses a significant risk of choking or damaging the teeth. Holding the resident's arms can lead to unnecessary injury, as forcing their limbs may result in more harm during a seizure due to involuntary muscle contractions. Similarly, screaming for help may create panic and distract staff members from providing timely assistance or handling the situation appropriately. Overall, making the environment safe is a proactive measure that significantly contributes to the well-being of the resident during an epileptic seizure.