What is an appropriate intervention for a child experiencing a seizure?

Positioning the child on their side after a seizure is a crucial intervention to ensure the child's safety and wellbeing. This position, often referred to as the recovery position, helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration if the child vomits or has secretions. The side-lying position facilitates better breathing and allows any fluids to drain rather than pooling in the throat, which can lead to choking.

In contrast, restraining a child during a seizure can lead to additional injury, as the child may be startled or become agitated. Placing something in the child's mouth is particularly dangerous because it can cause choking or dental injuries, and there is a myth that it can prevent biting of the tongue, which is not true. Administering water immediately after a seizure is inappropriate because the child may still be disoriented and at risk for choking; offering fluids should only occur once the child is fully alert and aware of their surroundings.

Thus, positioning the child on their side is the safest and most effective immediate intervention following a seizure.