A client has ingested poison and is now having seizures. Which of the following requires priority action by the nurse?

A client has ingested poison and is now having seizures. Which of the following requires priority action by the nurse?

• A. Maintain patent airway
• B. Administer antidote as available
• C. Induce emesis
• D. Administer activated charcoal

Answer: (A)

Securing the airway is the immediate priority. When a client is seizing, the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration is high, and hypoxia can rapidly occur. Ensuring a patent airway protects oxygenation and provides a safe window to administer other treatments after airway protection. After the airway is secured, breathing and circulation can be evaluated and addressed, and toxin-specific measures can be considered. Inducing emesis is not appropriate during seizures due to the high risk of aspiration and harm to the airway. Activated charcoal can be useful to limit absorption, but only once the airway and ventilation are protected; during active seizures it is unsafe. Administering an antidote depends on the specific toxin and timing, and it is not the first step while the patient is seizing.

Securing the airway is the immediate priority. When a client is seizing, the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration is high, and hypoxia can rapidly occur. Ensuring a patent airway protects oxygenation and provides a safe window to administer other treatments after airway protection.

After the airway is secured, breathing and circulation can be evaluated and addressed, and toxin-specific measures can be considered. Inducing emesis is not appropriate during seizures due to the high risk of aspiration and harm to the airway. Activated charcoal can be useful to limit absorption, but only once the airway and ventilation are protected; during active seizures it is unsafe. Administering an antidote depends on the specific toxin and timing, and it is not the first step while the patient is seizing.