What should be monitored closely in a child who recently had a seizure?

In a child who recently had a seizure, monitoring the respiratory rate is particularly important for several reasons. Seizures can often lead to changes in a child's respiratory function. After a seizure, there may be alterations in breathing patterns, including potential for respiratory depression or apnea, especially if the seizure was prolonged or if the child has a history of status epilepticus.

Following a seizure, it is crucial to ensure that the child is able to maintain an adequate airway and that they are breathing effectively. Close observation of the respiratory rate can help identify any distress or complications that may arise postictally, enabling timely intervention if the child shows signs of respiratory difficulty.

While heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature may also be important to monitor in certain contexts, they are not as immediately relevant in the acute seizure postictal state as respiratory status. The priority in the immediate phase following a seizure is ensuring the child's airway is clear and that they are breathing adequately.