What position should the patient be placed in during a seizure to minimize risk of aspiration?

• A. Supine
• B. Side lying
• C. Prone
• D. Fowler's

Answer: (B)

During a seizure, protecting the airway is the priority. Placing the person on their side (side-lying or recovery position) allows secretions and saliva to drain and reduces the risk that vomiting or oral secretions will be aspirated. This position also helps keep the airway more open as muscle control can be unpredictable during a seizure.

Other positions are less protective for airway safety. Lying on the back can let secretions pool and increase aspiration risk. Lying prone makes airway access difficult and isn’t practical during a seizure. Sitting up (Fowler’s) doesn’t reliably prevent aspiration and doesn’t provide the same protection for the airway as side-lying.

So, the side-lying position best minimizes aspiration risk during a seizure.