Chapter 20. Electroconvulsive Therapy
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 correct answers C. To
prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
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 correct answers A. On his or her side to
prevent aspiration
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. correct answers B. ECT induces a grand mal
seizure.
4. A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client
is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse
should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention?
A. Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
B. Antidepressant medications are contraindicated throughout the ECT course.
C. Discourage expressions of hopelessness throughout the ECT course.
D. Encourage a high-caloric diet throughout the ECT course. correct answers A.
Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
5. After undergoing two of nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, a client
states, I cant even remember eating breakfast, so I want to stop the ECT. Which is the
most appropriate nursing reply?
A. After you begin the course of treatments, you must complete all of them.
B. Youll need to talk with your doctor about what youre thinking.
C. It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but lets talk about your concerns.
D. Memory loss is a rare side effect of the treatment. I dont think it should be a concern.
correct answers C. It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but lets talk about
your concerns.
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 correct answers C. To
prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles
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 correct answers A. On his or her side to
prevent aspiration
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. correct answers B. ECT induces a grand mal
seizure.
4. A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client
is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse
should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention?
A. Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
B. Antidepressant medications are contraindicated throughout the ECT course.
C. Discourage expressions of hopelessness throughout the ECT course.
D. Encourage a high-caloric diet throughout the ECT course. correct answers A.
Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
5. After undergoing two of nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, a client
states, I cant even remember eating breakfast, so I want to stop the ECT. Which is the
most appropriate nursing reply?
A. After you begin the course of treatments, you must complete all of them.
B. Youll need to talk with your doctor about what youre thinking.
C. It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but lets talk about your concerns.
D. Memory loss is a rare side effect of the treatment. I dont think it should be a concern.
correct answers C. It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but lets talk about
your concerns.
