Introduction to Communication and Therapeutic Relationships
Introduction to Communication and Therapeutic Relationships ( 4 Questions)
A client is receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression. The nurse knows that the most important nursing intervention before ECT is to:
Administer a muscle relaxant and an anesthetic agent - This is not a nursing intervention, but a medical intervention that is performed by the anesthesiologist or another qualified provider.
Obtain informed consent from the client or a legal guardian
Rationale: ECT is an invasive procedure that involves inducing a seizure in the brain using electrical currents. It has potential risks and benefits that the client or a legal guardian must be informed of before giving consent. The nurse has a responsibility to ensure that the consent is obtained and documented.
Monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation - This is an important nursing intervention during and after ECT, but not before. The nurse should monitor the client for any changes in blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm, and oxygenation during the procedure and recovery.
Ensure that the client has an empty stomach and bladder - This is a necessary precaution to prevent aspiration and urinary incontinence during ECT, but it is not the most important nursing intervention before ECT.
Correct answer: B) Obtain informed consent from the client or a legal guardian
Rationale: ECT is an invasive procedure that involves inducing a seizure in the brain using electrical currents. It has potential risks and benefits that the client or a legal guardian must be informed of before giving consent. The nurse has a responsibility to ensure that the consent is obtained and documented.
Incorrect options:
A) Administer a muscle relaxant and an anesthetic agent - This is not a nursing intervention, but a medical intervention that is performed by the anesthesiologist or another qualified provider.
C) Monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation - This is an important nursing intervention during and after ECT, but not before. The nurse should monitor the client for any changes in blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm, and oxygenation during the procedure and recovery.
D) Ensure that the client has an empty stomach and bladder - This is a necessary precaution to prevent aspiration and urinary incontinence during ECT, but it is not the most important nursing intervention before ECT.