Chapter 19. Electroconvulsive Therapy
Multiple Choice
1. A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive
therapy. What is the nurses rationale for this procedure?
A. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia
B. To prevent hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea due to electrical stimulation
C. To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
D. To prevent blocked airway resulting from seizure activity
ANS: C
The nurse administers 100% oxygen during and after electroconvulsive therapy to
prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the
application of electrical current to the brain.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Implementation | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
2. Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy, in which position should a nurse place
the client? A. On his or her side to prevent aspiration
B. In semi-Fowlers position to promote oxygenation
, C. In Trendelenburgs position to promote blood flow to vital organs
D. In prone position to prevent airway blockage
ANS: A
The nurse should place a client who has received electroconvulsive therapy on his or
her side to prevent aspiration. After the treatment, most clients will awaken within 10
to 15 minutes and will be confused and disoriented. Some clients will sleep for 1 to 2
hours. All clients require close observation following treatment.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Implementation | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
3. A nursing instructor is teaching about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which
student statement indicates that learning has occurred?
A. During ECT a state of euphoria is induced. B. ECT induces a grand mal seizure.
C. During ECT a state of catatonia is induced. D. ECT induces a petit mal seizure.
ANS: B
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the
application of electrical current to the brain for the purpose of decreasing depression.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
Multiple Choice
1. A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive
therapy. What is the nurses rationale for this procedure?
A. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia
B. To prevent hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea due to electrical stimulation
C. To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
D. To prevent blocked airway resulting from seizure activity
ANS: C
The nurse administers 100% oxygen during and after electroconvulsive therapy to
prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the
application of electrical current to the brain.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Implementation | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
2. Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy, in which position should a nurse place
the client? A. On his or her side to prevent aspiration
B. In semi-Fowlers position to promote oxygenation
, C. In Trendelenburgs position to promote blood flow to vital organs
D. In prone position to prevent airway blockage
ANS: A
The nurse should place a client who has received electroconvulsive therapy on his or
her side to prevent aspiration. After the treatment, most clients will awaken within 10
to 15 minutes and will be confused and disoriented. Some clients will sleep for 1 to 2
hours. All clients require close observation following treatment.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Implementation | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
3. A nursing instructor is teaching about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which
student statement indicates that learning has occurred?
A. During ECT a state of euphoria is induced. B. ECT induces a grand mal seizure.
C. During ECT a state of catatonia is induced. D. ECT induces a petit mal seizure.
ANS: B
Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the
application of electrical current to the brain for the purpose of decreasing depression.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation |
Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
