A nurse is caring for a client who has received nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments and reports short-term memory loss. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Memory loss is common and usually improves after a few weeks.
"You will likely experience long-term memory loss as well."
"You should focus on how much better you feel."
"I am going to notify your provider about your memory loss."
The Correct Answer is A
Memory loss is a known side effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), particularly in the short term. It is important for the nurse to provide accurate information to the client about this
potential side effect. Assuring the client that memory loss is common and tends to improve over time can help alleviate their concerns and provide reassurance. It is important to convey that this is a temporary effect and not necessarily indicative of long-term memory problems.
The other options are not appropriate responses:
B. "You will likely experience long-term memory loss as well": This statement provides inaccurate and potentially alarming information. While some individuals may experience persistent memory issues, it is not appropriate to assume or predict long-term memory loss in every case.
C. "You should focus on how much better you feel": This response dismisses the client's concerns about memory loss and may not address their needs or worries adequately. It is important to acknowledge and validate the client's experience.
D. "I am going to notify your provider about your memory loss": While it is important for the nurse to communicate any concerning symptoms to the client's healthcare provider, simply stating this without providing further information or reassurance may increase the client's anxiety without addressing their immediate concerns about memory loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: (D) Suppression
Rationale:
A) Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disconnection from reality or the separation of thoughts, memories, or identity from conscious awareness. In this scenario, the client is not displaying any signs of disconnecting from reality or avoiding awareness of the situation through dissociation, making this defense mechanism unlikely.
B) Projection: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. The client in this situation is not blaming others or attributing their actions to someone else, so projection is not the defense mechanism being demonstrated here.
C) Intellectualization: Intellectualization involves using reasoning or logic to avoid emotional stress or anxiety. While the client does mention logical-sounding plans about things working out next week, their overall response does not primarily reflect an avoidance of emotion through reasoning, so intellectualization is not the correct choice.
D) Suppression: Suppression is the conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need in order to cope with the present situation. The client acknowledges the stress of being fired but chooses to push aside their distress by stating that "everything will work out somehow next week," indicating they are consciously choosing to set aside their anxiety for the time being. This aligns with the concept of suppression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This response reflects active listening and demonstrates empathy towards the client's feelings. It acknowledges the client's distress and encourages them to express their concerns and thoughts. By actively listening and showing genuine interest, the nurse can gather more information to assess the client's needs and determine the appropriate course of action.
Let's discuss why the other options are incorrect:
A. "Everything will be okay until morning. You can speak with your provider then." This response may dismiss or invalidate the client's current distress and fails to address their immediate concerns. It suggests waiting until morning without exploring the reasons behind the client's urgency.
C. "Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your provider in the morning." While the intention may be to offer assistance, this response does not address the client's emotional state or explore the reasons for their demand to see the provider. It may also not address the client's immediate needs and concerns.
D. "Why don't you wait until the morning? The provider will be available then." This response may come across as dismissive and may not acknowledge the client's current distress. It does not encourage the client to express their concerns or provide an opportunity for open communication.
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