A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a school-age child newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder.
The nurse should teach the parents to take which of the following actions during a seizure?

Choice A rationale:

A sausage-shaped abdominal mass is a classic sign of intussusception, a condition where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing obstruction. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Increased urinary output is not a characteristic finding of intussusception. Instead, the child may present with signs of dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased oral intake caused by the obstruction.

Choice C rationale:

Constipation is a symptom that can be associated with various gastrointestinal disorders but is not specific to intussusception. In intussusception, the child typically experiences severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and the classic sausage-shaped abdominal mass.

Choice D rationale:

A board-like abdomen can occur in conditions such as peritonitis, but it is not a typical finding in intussusception. The presence of a sausage-shaped abdominal mass is the hallmark sign of intussusception.

Choice A rationale:

Inserting an IV catheter is essential for administering medications and fluids but is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The toddler's airway and breathing are compromised, making airway management the top priority.

Choice B rationale:

Administering an antibiotic is necessary for treating a potential infection, but securing the airway takes precedence when a child is experiencing severe dyspnea and drooling. The toddler's ability to breathe effectively needs to be addressed urgently.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a blood culture is important for identifying the source of infection but does not address the toddler's immediate breathing difficulty. Securing the airway is the primary concern in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever) along with severe dyspnea and drooling suggests a potentially life-threatening condition like epiglottitis, which requires immediate intervention. Nasotracheal intubation ensures a patent airway, allowing the child to breathe adequately. Once the airway is secure, further assessments and treatments can be administered.