Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Paediatric Nursing (PAED)

RESPONDING TO CHILDHOOD EMERGENCIES: CONVULSION/SEIZURES

This is the act of giving immediate intervention to a child experiencing convulsion or seizures.

Purpose

  • Maintain patent airway and adequate oxygenation
  • Prevent injury during seizure
  • Terminate seizure activity
  • Identify and treat underlying cause
  • Prevent recurrence

Indications

  • Child presenting with convulsion or seizure activity

Equipment

  • Resuscitation equipment
  • Oxygen source and delivery devices
  • Suction apparatus
  • IV cannula and fluids
  • Anticonvulsant medications
  • Glucometer
  • Thermometer
  • Padded tongue depressor
  • Side rails padding

Preparation

  • Prepare resuscitation equipment
  • Ensure suction is working
  • Have anticonvulsants ready

Procedure steps

  • Stay with the child and call for help
  • Place child on side-lying position
  • Clear area of hard objects
  • Loosen tight clothing around neck
  • Do not restrain the child
  • Do not insert anything into the mouth
  • Time the seizure duration
  • Maintain patent airway
  • Administer oxygen
  • Suction secretions if necessary
  • Establish IV access
  • Check blood glucose level
  • Administer anticonvulsants as prescribed
  • Monitor vital signs
  • Assess neurological status post-seizure

Precautions

  • Never leave child unattended during seizure
  • Do not force anything into mouth
  • Do not restrain movements
  • Protect from injury

Aftercare

  • Allow child to rest in quiet environment
  • Orient child as they regain consciousness
  • Monitor for post-ictal state
  • Document seizure characteristics

Nursing considerations

  • Consider developmental stage
  • Address family anxiety
  • Plan for long-term management if recurrent
  • Screen for possible abuse if indicated

Patient education

  • Teach seizure first aid to parents
  • Explain medication administration
  • Discuss trigger avoidance
  • Provide safety guidelines

Documentation

  • Time of seizure onset and duration
  • Type of seizure activity observed
  • Body parts involved
  • Interventions provided
  • Response to treatment
  • Post-ictal observations

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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