A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Insomnia is a common symptom of anxiety, but it is not typically seen in mild cases. It is more often associated with moderate to severe anxiety.

When anxiety is mild, individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, but they are not typically unable to sleep at all.

Other sleep-related symptoms of mild anxiety may include restlessness, nightmares, or early morning awakening.

Choice B rationale:

Chest pain is a serious symptom that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety. However, it is not a common manifestation of mild anxiety.

Chest pain associated with anxiety is typically described as a sharp, stabbing pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, or sweating.

If a client with anxiety is experiencing chest pain, it is important to rule out other potential causes, such as heart disease or a pulmonary embolism.

Choice D rationale:

Incoherent speech is a sign of severe anxiety or a panic attack. It is not typically seen in mild anxiety.

When a person is experiencing incoherent speech, they may have difficulty speaking in complete sentences or making sense of their thoughts. They may also slur their words or speak in a rapid, disjointed manner.

Choice C rationale:

Irritability is a common manifestation of mild anxiety. It is often characterized by a feeling of being easily annoyed or angered.

Individuals with mild anxiety may also be more impatient, short-tempered, or argumentative than usual.

They may also have a lower tolerance for frustration and stress.

The correct answer is choicec. The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.

Choice A rationale:Giving away personal items and money can indicate impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common in manic episodes. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate physical risk to the client or others.

Choice B rationale:Hostility and sarcasm towards staff can indicate irritability and agitation, which are also common in mania. While this behavior can disrupt the therapeutic environment, it is not the highest priority unless it escalates to physical aggression.

Choice C rationale:Pacing in the hallway during the day and most of the night indicates severe hyperactivity and potential exhaustion. This behavior poses a significant risk to the client’s physical health due to the possibility of dehydration, exhaustion, and other complications from lack of rest.

Choice D rationale:Demonstrating flight of ideas is a cognitive symptom of mania where the client rapidly shifts from one idea to another. While this can affect communication and thought processes, it does not pose an immediate physical risk.

In summary, the priority is to address behaviors that pose the greatest immediate risk to the client’s physical health and safety.