What is the first intervention a nurse should take for a client who has just had a seizure and is unresponsive?

The first intervention a nurse should take for a client who has just had a seizure and is unresponsive is to ensure that suction equipment is set up at the bedside. This is crucial because the immediate postictal state after a seizure can involve a risk of aspiration due to potential residual secretions or the inability of the client to protect their airway. Having suction equipment readily available ensures that if the patient does experience any difficulty with secretions or airway obstruction, it can be promptly addressed, thereby preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia or respiratory distress.

While assessing vital signs is important, it does not address the immediate need to secure the airway. Similarly, drawing blood for phenytoin levels or preparing for a head CT are both important interventions, but they can only occur after the immediate safety and airway concerns are addressed. Prioritizing airway management aligns with the principles of emergency care, where protection of the airway is critical to prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition.