A nurse is collecting data for a client following electroconvulsive therapy. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse expect?

a. "Many people have colostomies and they live full lives."

Explanation:

The correct answer is a. "Many people have colostomies and they live full lives."

When a client expresses concerns or distress regarding their colostomy and not wanting others to see the colostomy bag, it is essential for the nurse to provide support and reassurance. Responding by acknowledging that many people live full lives with colostomies helps normalize the experience and offers hope to the client.

Option b, "Would it help to speak to someone else who has a colostomy?" may be a helpful suggestion, but it should not be the initial response. First, it is important to provide immediate reassurance and support to the client before exploring additional resources or contacts.

Option c, "Why don't you want people to see the colostomy bag?" may be seen as invasive and may put the client on the spot, potentially making them feel uncomfortable or defensive. It is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client.

Option d, "The colostomy is probably only temporary," assumes information about the client's specific situation that may not be accurate. It is important to avoid making assumptions about the duration or permanence of the colostomy unless the client has shared that information. Providing false reassurances can negatively impact the client's trust and emotional well-being.

By responding with the statement that many people live full lives with colostomies, the nurse offers support, normalizes the client's experience, and promotes a positive outlook for the client's future.

a. "The machine is programmed to prevent you from administering more than a safe dose."

When reinforcing teaching about epidural PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) with a client in active labor, it is important for the nurse to inform the client about the safety features of the machine. By explaining that the machine is programmed to prevent the client from administering more than a safe dose, the nurse reassures the client that they have control over their pain relief while minimizing the risk of overdose.

Option b, "During medication administration, you will not be able to move your legs freely," is not an accurate statement regarding epidural PCA. While epidural analgesia may cause temporary weakness or loss of sensation in the lower body, the ability to move the legs freely is not necessarily completely impaired. The degree of mobility can vary depending on the dosage and specific characteristics of the epidural.

Option c, "This method of pain control will shorten the second stage of labor," is not a valid statement. Epidural PCA is primarily used for pain relief during labor and delivery but does not directly affect the progression or duration of the second stage of labor, which involves pushing and the delivery of the baby.

Option d, "This type of anesthesia commonly causes a postpartum headache," is also incorrect. While headaches can occur as a potential side effect of epidural anesthesia, they are not specifically associated with epidural PCA. Postpartum headaches can have various causes and are not exclusively related to the use of epidural PCA.

By emphasizing the safety features of the machine and explaining that it prevents the administration of excessive doses, the nurse ensures that the client understands the appropriate use of the epidural PCA for pain control during labor.