More Questions on the Topic
More Questions on the Topic ( 13 Questions)
. A nurse is planning to discharge a client who has major depressive disorder and has been receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after their last ECT session, as they may still have residual effects of anesthesia, such as drowsiness, impaired coordination, or slowed reaction time.
"You should expect to experience some memory loss and confusion for several months after your ECT treatment." - This is an inaccurate and alarming statement that may discourage the client from continuing their ECT treatment. The nurse should inform the client that memory loss and confusion are common side effects of ECT, but they are usually mild and transient, lasting only a few days or weeks after each session.
"You should discontinue your antidepressant medication once you complete your ECT course." - This is a dangerous and incorrect instruction that may increase the risk of relapse or recurrence of depression. The nurse should advise the client to continue taking their antidepressant medication as prescribed, unless otherwise instructed by their provider. Antidepressant medication can help maintain the therapeutic effects of ECT and prevent depression from returning.
"You should monitor your vital signs daily and report any changes to your provider." - This is an unnecessary and unrealistic instruction that may overwhelm or confuse the client. The nurse should not ask the client to monitor their vital signs daily, as this is not a routine part of ECT follow-up care. The nurse should only instruct the client to report any signs or symptoms of complications, such as severe headache, chest pain, or fever.
Correct answer: A) "You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after your last ECT session."
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after their last ECT session, as they may still have residual effects of anesthesia, such as drowsiness, impaired coordination, or slowed reaction time.
Incorrect options:
B) "You should expect to experience some memory loss and confusion for several months after your ECT treatment." - This is an inaccurate and alarming statement that may discourage the client from continuing their ECT treatment. The nurse should inform the client that memory loss and confusion are common side effects of ECT, but they are usually mild and transient, lasting only a few days or weeks after each session.
C) "You should discontinue your antidepressant medication once you complete your ECT course." - This is a dangerous and incorrect instruction that may increase the risk of relapse or recurrence of depression. The nurse should advise the client to continue taking their antidepressant medication as prescribed, unless otherwise instructed by their provider. Antidepressant medication can help maintain the therapeutic effects of ECT and prevent depression from returning.
D) "You should monitor your vital signs daily and report any changes to your provider." - This is an unnecessary and unrealistic instruction that may overwhelm or confuse the client. The nurse should not ask the client to monitor their vital signs daily, as this is not a routine part of ECT follow-up care. The nurse should only instruct the client to report any signs or symptoms of complications, such as severe headache, chest pain, or fever.