A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The client's spouse asks the nurse about the possible side effects of the ECT. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"The most common side effects are directly related to the use of anesthesia."
The main side effects are temporary, and may include mild confusion, a headache, and short-term memory loss."
"Most clients have no adverse effects to this treatment, but muscle cramping may result from the induced seizure."
"Some clients have been known to have a myocardial infarction, but we will monitor your spouse closely to be certain this does not happen."
The Correct Answer is B
A. While anesthesia is used, the side effects from it are not the main concern with ECT.
B. The most common side effects are mild confusion, headache, and short-term memory loss, which are typically temporary.
C. Muscle relaxants are given before the procedure to prevent cramping or injury from the seizure.
D. Myocardial infarction is not a common side effect; this response could unnecessarily alarm the spouse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Word salad refers to a jumble of incoherent words and phrases without logical connection, as seen in the patient’s statement.
B. Echolalia is the repetition of another person’s spoken words, not unrelated word combinations.
C. Neologism is the invention of new, made-up words, not a random string of real words.
D. Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure, not a speech disturbance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "My family will be better off without me" is an indirect or covert suicidal statement (passive ideation) that suggests the patient believes others would be better off if they were gone. Such remarks require immediate assessment of suicide risk (ask directly about thoughts, intent, plan, access to means) and appropriate safety interventions.
B. "Life is not worth living" is an explicit expression of hopelessness and indicates suicidal ideation, but it is more overt than covert. It still warrants urgent assessment, but the question asked specifically for the covert message.
C. "I wish I were dead" is a direct statement of suicidal desire (overt) rather than a covert hint.
D. "I have a plan that will fix everything" is the most concerning because it indicates a specific plan (high lethality risk), but it is overt rather than covert.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.