A nurse is assisting with the care of a client following electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of a depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect 15 min following the procedure?

A.This is incorrect because suction should not be applied during the insertion of the catheter. Suctioning should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to avoid causing trauma to the mucosa.

B. Suctioning should generally be performed for no longer than 10 seconds at a time to minimize the risk of complications such as hypoxia.

C.This response is correct because waiting approximately 1 minute between suctioning attempts allows the client time to recover and reoxygenate. This interval helps prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage, which are important considerations during the suctioning process.

D.In adults insert catheter approximately 16 cm (6.5 inches); in older children, 8– 12 cm (3–5 inches); in infants and young children, 4–7.5 cm (1.5–3 inches). Rule of thumb is to insert catheter distance from tip of nose (or mouth) to angle of mandible.

Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is important for the nurse to educate the client about advance directives, their purpose, and how they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: The nurse should explain to the client that an advance directive is a legally binding document that guides healthcare decisions, and it must be respected and followed by healthcare providers.

Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: The nurse should ensure that the client's advance directives status is accurately documented in the medical record and communicated to other members of the healthcare team during shift handoffs. This helps ensure that the client's wishes are known and respected by all involved in their care.

Initiate a power of attorney for health care document: The nurse can assist the client in initiating a power of attorney for healthcare document if the client wishes to appoint someone as their healthcare proxy or agent. This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so.

The other options listed are not appropriate or accurate in relation to the responsibilities of the nurse regarding advance directives:

Document that the provider discussed-do-not-resuscitate status with the client: While discussing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status may be part of the advance care planning process, it is not directly related to advance directives as a whole.

Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: This statement is incorrect and misleading. An advance directive does not automatically discontinue care but rather guides the provision of care according to the client's wishes.