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A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to undergo electroconvulsive therapy in 1 hr. The client tells the nurse that they have changed their mind and does not want the therapy. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "Your doctor would not have ordered the treatment if it wasn't necessary."
B. "How could you agree to it and then change your mind?"
C. "You will feel much better after the therapy, you'll see."

User Tyrina
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct response from the nurse is to understand the client's right to withdraw consent for ECT, address any concerns, and respect their decision. The nurse must avoid any responses that dismiss the client's feelings or coerce them into proceeding with treatment against their wishes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client expresses a desire to withdraw consent for a medical procedure, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it is important for the nurse to respond with understanding and provide support for the client's autonomy. A correct approach would be to confirm the client's concerns and inform them that they have the right to change their mind about treatment any time before the procedure starts. The nurse should discuss any questions or concerns the client has and communicate this change to the medical team. It's critical to respect the client's decision and ensure all subsequent steps align with their current wishes.

The nurse should avoid any responses that may be perceived as dismissive or coercive, such as making the client feel guilty for changing their mind (like 'How could you agree to it and then change your mind?'), asserting the doctor's authority inappropriately (as in 'Your doctor would not have ordered the treatment if it wasn't necessary.'), or offering unsolicited reassurances about the outcome of the therapy ('You will feel much better after the therapy, you'll see.'). The professional response should be empathetic and should acknowledge the client's right to make decisions regarding their healthcare.

User Optimistic Peach
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