Question

A client is to receive three treatments of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) per week for 3 weeks. After the third treatment, the client is forgetful and confused. When the client's spouse arrives to take the client home, the nurse discusses the client's condition with the spouse. Which statement is best?
A. Some confusion after ECT is normal. The client will regain memory in a few hours.
B. Confusion after ECT is not expected. Though it will resolve, the client probably will not be a candidate for ECT in the future.
C. Some people experience mild confusion after ECT. Generally it clears in a few days, though it may take longer.
D. Some confusion after ECT is normal. Withhold the client's medications for today and call tomorrow to let us know how the client is doing.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Some people experience mild confusion after ECT. Generally it clears in a few days, though it may take longer.

Explanation:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure used to treat certain psychiatric conditions. It involves passing a carefully controlled electric current through the brain, which affects the brain’s activity and aims to relieve severe depressive and psychotic symptoms.Modern day ECT is safe and effective. It can relieve symptoms of the most severe forms of depression more effectively than medication or therapy, but because it is an intrusive procedure and can cause some memory problems hence the reason for the confusion.