A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
“You will remain asleep for about 2 hours after the procedure.”
“These treatments should cure your depression.”
“You will receive a medication to prevent seizure activity.”
“You might experience some temporary memory loss after the procedure.”
The Correct Answer is D
A rationale:
Incorrect. While patients typically do sleep for a period after ECT, the duration is usually shorter, around 30-60 minutes.
Providing inaccurate information about the length of sleep can lead to confusion and anxiety for the patient.
Evidence: Studies have shown that the average recovery time following ECT is around 30-60 minutes, with most patients feeling alert and oriented within that time frame. (Source: NIH.gov) Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. While ECT can be highly effective in treating depression, it is not considered a cure. It's important to manage expectations and emphasize that ECT is a treatment option that can significantly improve symptoms but may not guarantee a complete cure.
Evidence: Research indicates that ECT has a remission rate of approximately 50-70% in patients with severe depression, meaning that many patients experience a significant reduction or disappearance of symptoms. However, relapse rates can range from 30-50%, indicating that ongoing maintenance treatment is often necessary. (Source: American Psychiatric Association)
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. Muscle relaxants, not seizure-preventing medications, are administered during ECT to protect the patient from injury during the induced seizure. It's crucial to clarify this distinction to avoid misunderstandings about the procedure's mechanism of action.
Evidence: Standard ECT protocols involve the use of a short-acting muscle relaxant, such as succinylcholine, to prevent muscle contractions during the seizure. This helps to minimize the risk of physical injury and ensure patient safety. (Source: Healthline.com)
Choice D rationale:
Correct. Temporary memory loss is a common side effect of ECT, and it's essential to inform patients about this potential issue to prepare them for the experience and address any concerns they may have.
Evidence: Studies have shown that approximately 40-50% of patients experience some degree of memory impairment following ECT, primarily affecting short-term memory of events occurring around the time of treatment. However, this memory loss is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks or months for most patients. (Source: Studocu.com)
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A:
While this response is well-intentioned, it may not be the most therapeutic in this situation. It could be perceived as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns. Clients with schizophrenia often have difficulty trusting others, and this response could reinforce the client's belief that they are being held against their will.
It's important to acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, rather than simply stating that the healthcare team is there to help.
Choice B:
This response is the most therapeutic because it uses the technique of reflection. Reflection involves echoing back the client's feelings or thoughts, which can help them feel heard and understood. It can also encourage the client to elaborate on their concerns.
By reflecting the client's statement, the nurse validates their feelings and opens the door for further communication.
Choice C:
This response could be perceived as confrontational or challenging, which could further escalate the client's anxiety. It's generally more helpful to start with a more open-ended question or reflection.
Asking "why" questions can sometimes make people feel defensive or put on the spot.
Choice D:
While relaxation techniques can be helpful for some clients, this response is not appropriate in this situation. It minimizes the client's concerns and does not address their underlying feelings of fear and anxiety.
It's important to validate the client's feelings before suggesting coping strategies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer and explanation
Choice A rationale:
Impaired judgment is a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia, not a positive symptom. It involves difficulties with decisionmaking, problem-solving, and understanding consequences. While it's a significant feature of schizophrenia, it doesn't reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, which is the hallmark of positive symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Dysphoria refers to a depressed mood or a state of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal functions. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.
Choice C rationale:
Disorganized speech is a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia. It involves significant disruptions in the way a person speaks and communicates. It can manifest in several ways, including: Derailment: Abrupt shifts in topic without logical connection
Tangentiality: Responding to questions in irrelevant or oblique ways
Incoherence: Speech that is fragmented and difficult to understand
Loose associations: Combining words or phrases in a way that lacks logical sense
Neologisms: Creating new words or phrases that have meaning only to the speaker
Word salad: Severely disorganized speech that is essentially incomprehensible
Disorganized speech is considered a positive symptom because it reflects an excess or distortion of normal speech processes. It's a core feature of schizophrenia and often has a significant impact on communication and social functioning.
Choice D rationale:
Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal emotional responses. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.
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.
