However, placing the client on isolation is a priority to protect the nurse and other clients and care providers. Subsequently, preparation for lumbar puncture is needed. (Options 2 and 4) A peripheral IV catheter should be inserted to provide fluids. (Option 1) Although assessment is a priority and meningeal signs should be checked, the nurse can only safely perform these assessments once droplet precautions are in place. Viral meningitis and other types of bacterial meningitis (ie, other than meningococcal meningitis) usually do not require droplet precautions. Precautions can usually be discontinued 24 hours after beginning antibiotic therapy. Meningococcal meningitis and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis are highly transmissible to others, and the client must remain on droplet isolation until these can be ruled out. The client with suspected bacterial meningitis should be placed on droplet precaution isolation until the causative agent has been identified and appropriate treatment is initiated. If the client has an aura before the seizure, it may give the nurse enough time to place an oral airway before seizure activity begins.ģ. Risks include blocking the airway from improper placement, chipping the client's teeth, and subsequent risk of aspirating tooth fragments. Forcing a tongue blade into the mouth during a seizure more likely will harm the client who bites down during seizure activity. The use of padded tongue blades is highly controversial, and they should not be kept at the bedside. The client has an intravenous access in place to have a readily accessible route if antiseizure medications must be administered, and as part of the routine assessment the nurse should be checking the patency of the catheter.

The side rails of the bed are padded, and the bed is kept in the lowest position. Usually, an airway, oxygen, and suctioning equipment are kept available at the bedside. 1, 2, 5, 6 Seizure precautions may vary from agency to agency, but they generally have some common features.

Leaking cerebrospinal fluid