Which of the following describes key seizure precautions and first-line rescue medications in the hospital?

• A. Pad side rails, suction ready; benzodiazepines (lorazepam) for acute seizures; give benzodiazepine then longer-acting agent.
• B. Keep side rails down; no suction; use anticonvulsants only after 24 hours.
• C. Remove oxygen and place in a prone position.
• D. Do not give benzodiazepines.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how to safely manage seizures in the hospital by protecting the patient, ensuring airway readiness, and using a rapid, stepwise rescue plan. Pad the side rails to prevent injury during a seizure and have suction available to clear secretions and keep the airway open. For an acute seizure, the first-line rescue medication is a fast-acting benzodiazepine because it terminates seizures quickly; lorazepam is a common choice because it works reliably and has a duration that helps control the event. After giving the benzodiazepine, you administer a longer-acting antiseizure medication to prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of progression to longer episodes like status epilepticus. This approach is safer and more effective than leaving rails down, skipping suction or oxygen, or withholding benzodiazepines, which would leave the patient at greater risk during a seizure.