What adverse effect can occur if a bystander tries to help a seizing patient by restraining them?

When addressing a seizing patient, the act of restraint by a bystander can indeed lead to significant complications, particularly concerning the patient’s ability to breathe. During a seizure, the body can go through intense muscle contractions and convulsions, which could be worsened by an attempt to physically restrain the individual.

If a bystander tries to hold the person down or restrict their movements, it may compromise the airway or cause the patient to have difficulty in exchanging air, thereby exacerbating the risk of hypoxia or making it harder for the patient to breathe effectively. This is especially important to consider since maintaining an open airway and ensuring adequate ventilation is critical during any medical emergency, including seizures.

The other options encompass important considerations but do not directly relate to the primary risk of respiratory compromise that comes from physically restraining someone during a seizure. For instance, striking the head on the ground might occur if someone is not adequately protected but does not arise from restraint; believing they are being assaulted or circulation issues in the hands are secondary concerns that are less common and not as immediate as the risks associated with impaired breathing.