A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of essential hypertension. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings that is consistent with this diagnosis?

Placing the client on his side is an essential action to take during a seizure, as it can prevent airway obstruction and aspiration. The client should be placed on his side, preferably in a lateral recumbent position, to allow saliva and secretions to drain from the mouth.

Holding the client's arms and legs from moving is not appropriate, as it can cause injury, increase agitation, or prolong the seizure. The client should be allowed to move freely during a seizure, but supported and guided away from hazards.

Placing the client back in bed is not necessary, as it can cause harm or delay care. The client should be left on the floor, unless it is unsafe or uncomfortable, and padded with pillows or blankets to protect from injury.

Inserting a tongue blade in the client's mouth is not advisable, as it can cause oral trauma, choking, or damage to the teeth. The client should not have anything inserted into his mouth during a seizure, as he cannot swallow or bite his tongue. The nurse should ensure that the client's airway is clear and patent.

Turn the client's head to the side.

The nurse should turn the client's head to the side first to prevent aspiration of oral secretions and maintain a patent airway. This is the priority action according to the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) principle.

Check the client's motor strength is wrong because it is not the priority action and it is not feasible during a seizure. The nurse should check the client's motor strength after the seizure to assess for any neurological deficits or postictal weakness.

Document the time the seizure began is wrong because it is not the priority action and it can be done later. The nurse should document the time, duration, type, and characteristics of the seizure, but only after ensuring the client's safety and well-being.

Loosen the clothing around the client's waist is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may not be necessary. The nurse should loosen any tight clothing that could impair breathing or circulation, but only after securing the airway and protecting the head from injury.

Turn the client's head to the side.

The nurse should turn the client's head to the side first to prevent aspiration of oral secretions and maintain a patent airway. This is the priority action according to the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) principle.

Check the client's motor strength is wrong because it is not the priority action and it is not feasible during a seizure. The nurse should check the client's motor strength after the seizure to assess for any neurological deficits or postictal weakness.

Document the time the seizure began is wrong because it is not the priority action and it can be done later. The nurse should document the time, duration, type, and characteristics of the seizure, but only after ensuring the client's safety and well-being.

Loosen the clothing around the client's waist is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may not be necessary. The nurse should loosen any tight clothing that could impair breathing or circulation, but only after securing the airway and protecting the head from injury.