While waiting for an appointment in the doctor’s office, a patient experiences a convulsive seizure. The nurse is immediately notified.
What nursing care should be provided at this time? (Select all that apply.)

Choice D rationale
When assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness, the nurse’s initial action should be to assess the patient’s response to pain. This is a fundamental part of the neurological examination and can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function. Pain response can be assessed by applying a painful stimulus, such as a pinch, and observing the patient’s reaction.
Choice A rationale
Assessing the patient’s ability to follow complex commands is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. This assessment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s judgment is an important part of the mental status examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. Like the ability to follow complex commands, judgment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be assessable in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.

Choice C rationale
Assessing the patient’s verbal response is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. The patient’s ability to speak and the content of their speech can provide important information about their neurological function, but this assessment may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.

Choice A rationale
Facial droop is a classic symptom of stroke. It occurs when there’s weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, which is caused by a disruption in the nerve signals due to a stroke. This can be easily observed in the person’s smile, as it will appear uneven.
Choice B rationale
While dysrhythmias can be associated with stroke, they are not the most indicative symptom. Dysrhythmias are more commonly associated with heart conditions.
Choice C rationale
Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, is not typically a symptom of stroke. It can be caused by various conditions such as allergies, infections, or kidney problems.

Choice D rationale
Projectile vomiting is not typically a symptom of stroke. It can be caused by various conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, brain tumors, or increased intracranial pressure.