Question

After four electroconvulsive treatments over two weeks, a client is very upset and states, "I am so confused. I lose my money. I just can't remember telephone numbers." The most therapeutic response for the nurse to make is which of these statements?

A. "Don't get upset. The confusion will clear up in a day or two."
B. "You were seriously ill and needed the treatments."
C. "I can hear your concern and that your confusion is upsetting to you."
D. "It is to be expected since most clients have the same results."

Answer 1

The correct therapeutic response is to acknowledge and validate the client's feelings about their confusion following electroconvulsive therapy, without dismissing their concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most therapeutic response for the nurse to make to a client who is very upset due to confusion and memory loss after electroconvulsive therapy is C. "I can hear your concern and that your confusion is upsetting to you." This statement is therapeutic because it acknowledges the client's feelings and provides validation without dismissing their concerns. On the other hand, telling the patient that the confusion will clear up or that the side effects are to be expected might minimize their feelings. It is also true that patients often experience memory loss or confusion following electroconvulsive treatments, which can lead to upset and states of distress. It is important to note that memory issues are commonly reported results following such treatments, though they are generally temporary in nature.