What instruction should be included for parents of a child with a seizure disorder regarding emergency measures?

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The instruction to call EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more is crucial because prolonged seizures can lead to significant medical emergencies, including status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without recovery between them, which can result in brain damage or other serious health complications. Recognizing this time frame allows parents to act quickly and ensures the child receives necessary medical attention promptly.

The other instructions may not be safe or appropriate. For instance, turning the child onto their stomach can pose risks, as it might lead to injury if the child is in an unsafe environment. Keeping the child away from furniture can reduce the risk of injury during a seizure, but it is not as critical as monitoring the duration of the seizure. Similarly, forcing the child's jaw open during a seizure is dangerous and can lead to injury. Thus, emphasizing the importance of timing when it comes to seizures helps parents know when to seek immediate help, ensuring the safety and health of their child.

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