Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who is to undergo electroconvulsive therapy which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan

a.Administer phenytoin 30 min prior to the procedure.The nurse should not plan to administer phenytoin, an anticonvulsant medication, to a client prior to ECT. The purpose of ECT is to induce a short seizure by stimulating the brain with an electrical current.
b.Instruct the client to expect a headache following the procedure.The nurse should instruct the client about adverse effects to expect following ECT such as temporary disorientation and confusion as well as possible memory deficits. Headaches are not an expected adverse effect of ECT.
c.Place the client in four point restraints prior to the procedure.The nurse should not place the client in restraints during the procedure. The client will receive anesthetic and paralytic medications immediately prior to the procedure to prevent severe muscle contractions induced by the seizure.
d.Monitor the client's cardiac rhythm during the procedure.MY ANSWERThe seizure induced during ECT can stress the client's heart. Therefore, the nurse should plan to monitor the client's cardiac rhythm during ECT via an electrocardiogram.

Answer 1

The correct action for a nurse planning care for a client who is to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) includes `Monitor the client's cardiac rhythm during the procedure.MY ANSWERThe seizure induced during ECT can stress the client's heart. Therefore, the nurse should plan to monitor the client's cardiac rhythm during ECT via an electrocardiogram.`

The answer is option ⇒d

Step-by-step explanation:

This is important as the seizure induced by ECT can place stress on the heart, so monitoring with an electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential to ensure client safety. Administering anticonvulsants like phenytoin before ECT is not recommended, as these medications are for controlling seizures but in the case of ECT, a seizure is the therapeutic goal. Restraints are not typically used as muscle paralytics and anesthetic medications prevent severe contractions during the induced seizure.

Post-ECT, clients may experience temporary disorientation, confusion, and potential memory deficits, but headaches are not a commonly expected adverse effect. Neurologists can use diagnostic tools such as EEG and CT scans to assess and diagnose neurological conditions that might lead to procedures like ECT.

The answer is option ⇒d