Author Question: An older adult has experienced severe depression for many years and is unable to tolerate most ... (Read 63 times)

kwoodring · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

An older adult has experienced severe depression for many years and is unable to tolerate most antidepressant medications due to adverse effects of the medications.

He is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for his depression. What teaching should the nurse give the patient regarding this treatment?
a. There are no special preparations needed before this treatment.
b. Common side effects include headache and short-term memory loss.
c. One treatment will be needed to cure the depression.
d. This treatment will leave you unconscious for several hours.

Question 2

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic phase. Which nursing diagnoses address priority needs for the patient? (Select all that apply.)

a. Risk for caregiver strain
b. Impaired verbal communication
c. Risk for injury
d. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements
e. Ineffective coping
f. Sleep deprivation

Sophiapenny · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Common side effects of ECT include headache, sleepiness, short-term memory loss, nausea, and muscle aches. Preparations before and after the procedure are the same as any operative procedure involving the patient receiving anesthesia. Treatment is typically three sessions a week for 4 weeks, not once. Patients are not unconscious after the procedure due to the use of precisely placed electrodes and the use of anesthesia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C, D, F
Risk for injury, poor nutrition, and impaired sleep are priority needs of the patient experiencing mania related to their impulsivity, inability to attend to activities of daily living such as diet and hygiene, and disruption of sleep. Caregiver strain is important to be addressed but is not a priority need on admission for the patient. Verbal communication improves when the mania is managed, and racing thoughts return to normal patterns. Ineffective coping will require stabilization of the acute phase along with cognitive therapy over time.