A client has been hospitalized for severe depression in the past, but has had difficulty finding stabilization on medication. The client is found unconscious, but still breathing, with an empty bottle of sertraline (Zoloft) beside her.
She is stabilized in an emergency department and is then admitted to a psychiatric unit. A nurse understands that a physician may order electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for this client for what reason?
A) Because the physician does not want to try further medication
B) Because ECT has proven to be effective in acutely suicidal clients and in clients whose therapeutic regimen has been ineffective
C) Because it is a less expensive treatment than prescribing further medication
D) Because ECT should abolish the client's suicidal and depressive symptoms instantly
Question 2
Which one of the following cyclic antidepressants is classified as category B (no evidence of risk in humans during pregnancy)?
a. maprotiline (Ludiomil)
b. desipramine (Norpramin)
c. nortriptyline (Tofranil)
d. amitriptyline (Elavil)
