What should the nurse preparing a patient for a scheduled appointment for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remind the patient to do?
Be prepared for visual disturbances after the treatment.
Drink plenty of fluids before ECT to ensure adequate hydration.
Bring a change of clothes in case of incontinence.
Arrange for transportation to and from the appointment.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Visual disturbances are not a common side effect of ECT. The more typical side effects of ECT include temporary memory loss, confusion, or headache. The patient should be informed about these potential side effects, but visual disturbances are not specifically associated with ECT.
B. Hydration is important for overall health, but it is not a specific requirement for ECT preparation. The primary preparation involves fasting, as patients are usually required to fast for several hours before the procedure to minimize the risk of aspiration during the treatment, as ECT is performed under anesthesia.
C. Incontinence is not a typical concern with ECT. The procedure itself does not usually result in incontinence. The focus should be more on preparing for potential side effects like temporary confusion
or memory issues, rather than concerns about incontinence. Therefore, this advice is not relevant for ECT preparation.
D. ECT involves the use of anesthesia, and patients should not drive themselves to or from the appointment due to the effects of anesthesia and the potential for temporary disorientation. Arranging for transportation ensures the patient’s safety and compliance with post-treatment care instructions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Antihypertensives are medications used to manage high blood pressure. Alprazolam is not used for managing blood pressure and does not belong to this category.
B. Antipsychotics are medications used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Alprazolam is not used to treat psychosis and does not fall under this category.
C. Antidepressants are used to treat depression and include classes such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Alprazolam is not used primarily to treat depression and is not classified as an antidepressant.
D. Alprazolam is classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to sedative, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulties with daily functioning. However, depression alone might not fully explain the abrupt change if there were no prior context of mood swings or manic behavior.
B. Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings that include manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. The observed behaviors—active participation and high energy followed by a
sudden shift to tearfulness and withdrawal—are consistent with the mood cycling seen in bipolar disorder. The manic or hypomanic phase could explain the previous high level of activity, while the depressive phase explains the sudden refusal to engage and withdrawal.
C. Psychotic behavior involves a loss of touch with reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The behaviors described (active participation and then sudden withdrawal) do not specifically indicate psychosis.
D. Dysthymic disorder (now referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5) is characterized by a chronic, mild depression lasting for at least two years. It typically involves a more consistent, persistent low mood rather than the abrupt shifts seen in bipolar disorder.
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