Question

Nursing care for a client after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should include:

1. nothing by mouth for 24 hours after the treatment because of the anesthetic agent.
2. bed rest for the first 8 hours after a treatment.
3. assessment of short-term memory loss.
4. no special care.

Answer 1

Post-ECT nursing care includes monitoring for short-term memory loss rather than enforcing nothing by mouth for 24 hours or bed rest for 8 hours, which is not standard care.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nursing care for a client after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should take into account several factors to ensure safety and the well-being of the patient. One of the key considerations is the assessment and management of short-term memory loss, which is a common effect post-ECT. In terms of dietary precautions, it is important to clarify with medical orders, but typically, patients can resume oral intake once they have recovered from the sedation and have a normal gag reflex, certainly not waiting for as long as 24 hours after the treatment. Bed rest for 8 hours is not standard and activity level is usually based on the patient's stability and alertness. Hence, the correct approach would include careful monitoring of the patient's cognitive state, particularly for memory impairment.