A client is to receive three treatments of electroconvulsive ...

[Coya19@aol.com]

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 husband arrives to take her home, the nurse discusses his wife's condition with him. Which of the following statements is most appropriate?
  A) Some confusion after ECT is normal. She will regain her memory in a few hours.
  B) Confusion after ECT is not expected. Though it will resolve, she 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 her medications for today and call tomorrow to let us know how she's doing.

Question 2

Clarissa has been prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) to treat major depressive disorder. Which of the following statements regarding TCAs is most accurate?
 
  A) TCAs are preferred for clients who are at risk for suicide.
  B) TCAs have a narrow therapeutic window and can have cardiotoxic effects.
  C) TCAs are the preferred medications for clients who have recently had a heart attack.
  D) TCAs have fewer side effects than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

[yifu223]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
A frequent consequence of ECT is memory impairment, ranging from mild forgetfulness of details to severe confusion. This may persist for weeks or months after treatment but usually resolves significantly. The nurse prepares the client and family to expect this confusion and assures them that full memory will return eventually.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Feedback:
Other antidepressants have fewer side effects and do not have the cardiotoxic effects or narrow therapeutic window of TCAs. As a rule, TCAs are not used in clients at risk for suicide. Their narrow therapeutic window makes use dangerous. TCAs also are used cautiously in clients who are hypersensitive to any tricyclic drugs, may be taking MAOIs, have had a recent heart attack, or are lactating.

[Coya19@aol.com]

TYSM

[juliaf]

Excellent