Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and will receive succinylcholine. The client asks the nurse about this medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Response A

B. Response B

C. Response C

D. Response D

Answer 1

Succinylcholine is used as a muscle relaxant to prevent injury during electroconvulsive therapy, a procedure used when other treatments like psychotherapy or certain medications are insufficient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's response to a client undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) who will receive succinylcholine should be informative and accurate. Succinylcholine is a medication that acts as a muscle relaxant, often used during ECT to prevent muscle contractions that could lead to physical injury. It works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles and is part of the anesthesia process during ECT procedures.

ECT is a controlled medical procedure where small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. This treatment can be effective for certain psychiatric conditions when other treatments, such as psychotherapy, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, have not been sufficient. As always, it is important for any treatment to be under close medical supervision, considering all of the benefits and risks involved.