A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Spina bifida.

Explanation: Correct Choice. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs during early fetal development when the neural tube doesn't close completely. It can result in various degrees of spinal cord and nerve damage. This is a suitable example to include when teaching about neural tube defects.

B. Hydrocephalus.

Explanation: Hydrocephalus is not a neural tube defect itself. It's a condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure. It can be caused by various factors, but it's not directly related to neural tube development.

C. Cerebral palsy.

Explanation: Cerebral palsy is a group of motor disorders caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before birth. It is not a neural tube defect. Instead, it's related to brain injury or abnormal development.

D. Muscular dystrophy.

Explanation: Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. It's not related to neural tube defects. Muscular dystrophy affects muscle tissue, while neural tube defects involve improper development of the neural tube.

A. Position the child laterally

Explanation: When a child is experiencing a seizure, it's important to ensure their safety and prevent injury. Positioning the child laterally, also known as the recovery position, helps keep the airway clear and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. It also helps prevent the child from choking on saliva or vomit.

The other options are not appropriate actions during a seizure:

B. Using a padded tongue blade is not recommended during a seizure. Placing objects in the mouth during a seizure can lead to injury, including damage to the teeth, jaw, or airway.

C. Attempting to stop the seizure is not within the nurse's control. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and should not be interrupted forcefully. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the child's safety and managing the situation until the seizure stops on its own.

D. Restraining the child's arms is not advisable during a seizure. Restraining can cause harm and increase the risk of injury to the child or others involved. It's important to allow the seizure to run its course while protecting the child from harm.