Chapter 20: Electroconvulsive Therapy Review Questions

A client is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Prior to the client's ECT, what should the nurse teach the client?

"General anesthesia and a muscle relaxant drug will be used during the treatment."

Succinylcholine is administered to a client receiving ECT for what purpose?

To relax muscles

A client is to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the morning. Which nursing intervention is appropriate?

Verify that informed consent has been granted.

The physician informs the client that succinylcholine chloride (Anectine) will be administered prior to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The client asks, "Why must I take this medication?" Which is the appropriate nursing response?

"To relax skeletal muscles during ECT."

The client asks the nurse what is involved with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). What is the appropriate client teaching? Select all that apply.

-"It involves placing electrodes on your head." -"You will get a muscle relaxant before the treatment." -"You may need maintenance treatments on an outpatient basis."

Which of the following medications would be appropriately administered by an anesthesiologist to a client immediately prior to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select all that apply.

-Thiopental sodium (Pentothal) -Methohexital sodium (Brevital) -Succinylcholine chloride (Anectine)

A nursing instructor is teaching about nursing interventions during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student statement indicates the need for further instruction?

"I have to determine the electrode placement as either bilateral or unilateral."

Sam, who has been hospitalized for ECT treatments, says to the nurse on admission, "I don't want to end up like McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest! I'm scared!" Which of the following statements would be most appropriate by the nurse in response to Sam's expression of concern?

"I know you are scared, Sam, and we're going to talk about what you can expect from the therapy."

A client, diagnosed with major depression, is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the morning. After awakening, prior to the treatment, the client asks, "Can I please get something to eat?" Which is the appropriate nursing response?

"I know you'd like breakfast, but eating before your treatment may lead to complications."

On the morning of a patient's first ECT procedure, the patient states, "I've been thinking about this all night and I've changed my mind; please call my doctor and tell her I don't want ECT treatments." Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

"I'll contact your doctor and let her know you are reconsidering."

An initial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure has been scheduled for a client diagnosed with major depression. After the nurse explains the procedure, the client states, "I'm too scared and can't decide what to do." Which is the appropriate nursing response?

"Tell me a little more about your fears."

A client is considering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and questions the nurse about the side effects of the treatment. What is the nurse's best response?

"The most common side effects are transient memory loss and confusion."

The nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should not be considered a candidate for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

A client experiencing intracranial pressure

Sam has a diagnosis of major depression. After an unsuccessful trial of antidepressant medication, Sam's physician has hospitalized Sam for a course of ECT treatments. Sam says to the nurse on admission, "I don't want to end up like McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest! I'm scared!" Sam's priority nursing diagnosis at this time would be:

Anxiety related to deficient knowledge about ECT

Although death as a result of ECT is rare, the major cause of death with ECT is ____________.

Cardiovascular complications

The priority nursing intervention before starting ECT therapy is to:

Ensure that the consent form has been signed.

Which of the following conditions is considered to be the only absolute contraindication for ECT?

Increased intracranial pressure

Electroconvulsive therapy is thought to effect a therapeutic response by:

Increasing the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine

Electroconvulsive therapy is most commonly prescribed for:

Major Depression

Which of the following best describes the average number of ECT treatments given and the timing of administration?

One treatment every other day for a total of 6 to 12 treatments

In the post-treatment period of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is an appropriate nursing intervention?

Orient client to time and place

The nurse is assessing a client for side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which side effects are common and to be expected?

Temporary disorientation

The most common side effects of ECT are:

Temporary memory loss and confusion

Which is a projected outcome of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

The client's mood will be elevated

A client is about to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which statement most accurately reflects the nurse generalist's role during this procedure?

To administer the ordered preoperative medications

Atropine sulfate is administered to a client receiving ECT for what purpose?

To decrease secretions