A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and states that he has given away his personal belongings. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. The client expresses feelings of guilt.
Feelings of guilt are a common part of the grieving process. Many people may experience guilt related to things they said or didn't say, things they did or didn't do before their loved one's death. While it can be challenging, it is not necessarily a maladaptive grief response.

B. The client is unable to perform basic hygiene tasks.
This indicates a maladaptive grief response. If the client's grief has led to such severe impairment in functioning that they cannot maintain basic hygiene, it suggests an inability to cope and function in daily life, which is concerning and requires intervention and support.

C. The client gives away some of the partner's belongings.
This behavior is a common part of the grieving process. It can represent the client's attempt to let go and move on. It might also be an expression of their partner's wishes or a way to help others in need. Giving away belongings is not inherently maladaptive; it depends on the context and the individual's overall coping abilities.

D. The client relocates from a house to an apartment.
Changes in living arrangements after the loss of a loved one are often part of adapting to the new circumstances. It can be a way for the individual to reduce their responsibilities, live in a more manageable space, or seek a fresh start. Relocating, on its own, is not a maladaptive response to grief.

A. Reduced frequency of panic attacks:
ECT is not primarily used to treat panic attacks. It is more commonly employed for severe mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. While ECT might indirectly affect anxiety symptoms, its main focus is on mood stabilization and improvement of depressive symptoms.

B. Decreased feelings of hopelessness:
This is the correct choice. Decreased feelings of hopelessness, often accompanied by improved mood and reduced suicidal thoughts, indicate the effectiveness of ECT in treating severe depression. ECT is known for its rapid and significant impact on mood, leading to improvements in feelings of hopelessness and despair, which are common symptoms of severe depression.

C. Reduced frequency of seizures:
ECT itself induces controlled seizures under anesthesia as part of the treatment process. The goal of ECT is not to reduce seizures but to target specific mental health conditions, particularly severe mood disorders. ECT is not indicated for managing epilepsy or reducing the frequency of seizures related to neurological disorders.

D. Decreased fear of heights:
ECT is not a treatment specifically designed to address phobias or fear-related disorders such as acrophobia (fear of heights). It is primarily used for severe mental health conditions, especially mood disorders. While an individual's overall anxiety might improve with successful ECT treatment, its direct effect on specific phobias like fear of heights is not a primary indication for the therapy.