In SIADH or hyponatremia, what precautions should be instituted due to seizure risk?

• A. Seizure precautions
• B. Isolation precautions
• C. Contact precautions
• D. Standard precautions

Answer: (A)

Hyponatremia from SIADH can cause cerebral edema, which increases the risk for seizures. To protect the patient and enable rapid response if a seizure starts, implement seizure precautions. This includes padding the side rails, keeping the bed in the lowest safe position, and having suction equipment and oxygen readily available at the bedside. Maintain a calm, safe environment and monitor neurologic status closely. If a seizure occurs, time it, place the patient on their side to protect the airway, and avoid placing anything in the mouth. Isolation, contact, or standard precautions don’t specifically address seizure risk in this scenario, so seizure precautions are the appropriate focus.