✔️ During a seizure, clients are at high risk for airway obstruction due to increased oral secretions, tongue relaxation, or aspiration.

✔️ Suctioning the airway—especially the oropharynx—is critical to maintaining a patent airway once the seizure subsides.

✔️ Suction equipment must be readily available at the bedside as part of standard seizure precaution protocols to manage secretions and prevent hypoxia.

✔️ Although tracheal suctioning may not always be required, having equipment for oral or nasopharyngeal suctioning ensures that nurses can respond immediately to airway compromise, which is a priority during and after seizures.

Educational Insight

Seizure precautions focus on preventing injury and ensuring airway protection. While maintaining safety with padding and positioning is important, the primary concern is airway patency. Nurses must be prepared with suction equipment, oxygen supplies, and monitoring tools, as postictal periods can lead to decreased consciousness and inability to manage secretions.