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 C
Explanation
Repression is a defense mechanism that involves pushing distressing or anxiety-provoking thoughts, memories, or impulses into the unconscious mind. By repressing these thoughts, the individual can avoid dealing with the associated anxiety or discomfort. In the given scenario, the client escapes from anxiety-causing thoughts by ignoring their existence, which aligns with the concept of repression.
Denial, another defense mechanism, involves refusing to acknowledge the existence of a distressing reality or truth. However, in this case, the client is not denying the existence of the thoughts but rather ignoring or avoiding them.
Splitting is a defense mechanism characterized by the inability to integrate positive and negative qualities of oneself or others into a cohesive whole. It is not applicable in this situation.
Sublimation is a defense mechanism in which individuals redirect their unacceptable impulses into more socially acceptable outlets. It involves channeling potentially harmful or unacceptable desires into constructive behaviors. The given scenario does not reflect sublimation as the individual is not redirecting their anxiety into a productive activity or behavior.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Validation is a technique used to acknowledge and validate the emotions and experiences of individuals with dementia, even if their thoughts or perceptions do not align with reality. In this scenario, the nurse responds by saying, "You miss your mother," which shows understanding and empathy toward the client's emotions. The nurse is validating the client's feelings rather than attempting to correct or redirect their thoughts.
A. Orientation to reality involves providing factual information and attempting to reorient individuals with dementia to the present time, place, and situation.
B. Remotivation is a technique used to stimulate memories and engage individuals with dementia in meaningful activities.
D. Guided imagery involves using vivid language and descriptive prompts to guide individuals into imagining pleasant or calming scenes.
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.