A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis who reports joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Which of the following client statements indicates understanding of the teaching?

Answer: A

Rationale:

A) Serve meals with plastic utensils: Serving meals with plastic utensils is essential to reduce the risk of self-harm. Metal utensils could be used by the client to inflict injury upon themselves, so providing plastic utensils is a necessary safety measure to prevent potential harm.

B) Assign another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions: Assigning another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions is not appropriate as it places an undue burden on another client and may not ensure the safety of the at-risk client. Professional staff should provide supervision and support.

C) Assign the client to a private room: Assigning the client to a private room might increase the risk of self-harm due to reduced supervision. It is generally better to place the client in a more observable setting where staff can frequently monitor their condition.

D) Check on the client every 4 hr: Checking on the client every 4 hours is insufficient for someone who has recently attempted suicide. More frequent monitoring, such as constant or every 15-minute checks, is necessary to ensure the client's safety and provide immediate intervention if needed.

Answer: A, B, D, F

Rationale:

A. "The ECT procedure will cause you to have a brief seizure.":
This statement is accurate as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) intentionally induces a controlled seizure, which is thought to positively impact brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder. Educating the client about this aspect helps demystify the procedure and reduces anxiety.

B. "You will not be awake during the ECT procedure.":
The client receives general anesthesia before ECT, so they will be unconscious during the procedure. This reassurance can help alleviate fears associated with being awake and experiencing discomfort during the procedure.

C. "You will be placed on a ventilator to help you breathe during the ECT procedure.":
During ECT, clients do not require a ventilator, although they may receive oxygen support. An anesthetic and muscle relaxant are administered, and while the client’s breathing is closely monitored, a ventilator is unnecessary for this brief procedure.

D. "You will probably sleep the rest of the day following the ECT procedure.":
Many clients feel drowsy and need extra rest after ECT due to the effects of anesthesia and the brief seizure. Informing the client helps them prepare for this common effect and sets realistic expectations for their recovery period.

E. "It should only take one ECT treatment to bring you out of your depression.":
ECT is typically given as a series of treatments over several weeks to achieve lasting improvement in depressive symptoms. One treatment alone is usually insufficient, so this statement could mislead the client regarding the treatment plan.

F. "Some clients experience temporary memory loss following ECT therapy.":
Temporary memory loss, especially of recent events, is a known side effect of ECT. This side effect is generally transient but can help the client to be aware of this possibility, helping them to anticipate and manage any concerns post-treatment.