Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What is the proper action for a nurse aide to take if they enter a room and find a resident having a seizure while sitting in a chair?

1. Call for emergency help

2. Lower the resident to the floor and move furniture out of the way

3. Hold the resident to prevent falling

4. Use a pillow to cushion the resident's fall

The correct answer is: Lower the resident to the floor and move furniture out of the way

Lowering the resident to the floor and moving furniture out of the way is the most appropriate action in this situation. During a seizure, there is a risk that the resident can lose control of their body, which may lead to falls or injuries. By carefully lowering the person to the ground, the nurse aide helps to prevent them from falling and potentially injuring themselves on surrounding furniture or fixtures. Additionally, clearing the area around the resident helps ensure that they have a safe space during the seizure, minimizing the risk of injury from hitting any hard or sharp objects. It is important to keep the environment as hazard-free as possible during such an event. While calling for emergency help is an important step to take during a seizure, especially if the seizure lasts longer than usual or the resident does not regain consciousness, immediate safety measures such as lowering the resident and ensuring their environment is safe take precedence. Similarly, while cushioning the resident's fall or holding them to prevent falling might seem helpful, such actions could inadvertently cause harm. Holding someone during a seizure can lead to serious injury for both the resident and the aide, and using a pillow may not effectively prevent injury if the person is already in a seated position.