Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

If a patient begins to have a seizure, what is the first responsibility of the aide?

1. To notify the family

2. To prevent the patient from injuring himself

3. To call for emergency services

4. To perform CPR immediately

The correct answer is: To prevent the patient from injuring himself

When a patient begins to have a seizure, the primary responsibility of the aide is to prevent the patient from injuring himself. This is crucial because seizures can cause involuntary movements and a lack of awareness, leading to potential harm. Ensuring the patient's safety involves moving any nearby objects that might cause injury and positioning them in a way that minimizes the risk of falling or hitting their head. The aide should also monitor the duration of the seizure and be prepared to assist the patient in a way that allows for their safety and comfort without interfering with the natural course of the seizure. This step is fundamental because it prioritizes immediate physical safety while other necessary actions, such as notifying family or calling for emergency services, can be performed afterward when the situation allows.