A charge nurse is providing teaching to a staff nurse about assisting the provider with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following responses by the staff nurse indicates understanding of the teaching?

Tremors: This choice is correct. Tremors or muscle twitching can be expected in a client experiencing acute cocaine toxicity. Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that can cause overstimulation of muscles, resulting in tremors.

Incorrect:

A- Hypothermia: This choice is incorrect. Acute cocaine toxicity is associated with an increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) rather than a decrease (hypothermia). Cocaine is a stimulant that can cause the body to overheat, leading to hyperthermia, which is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.

B- Hypotension: This choice is incorrect. Cocaine is a stimulant that increases blood pressure and heart rate, leading to hypertension (high blood pressure), not hypotension (low blood pressure). Hypertension is a common cardiovascular effect of cocaine use.

D- Respiratory depression: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory depression, which is a slowing of the respiratory rate and depth, is more commonly associated with depressant drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines. As a stimulant, cocaine tends to have the opposite effect, leading to increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) and sometimes hyperventilation.

A. While choice A, “I haven’t gotten my period yet, and all my friends have theirs,” is a valid concern for a 13-year-old, it is generally a normal part of development. Menarche can occur anywhere between ages 9 and 16, so it’s not uncommon for some girls to start later than their peers. However, it is important to address this concern and provide reassurance.

B- "My parents treat me like a baby sometimes." This comment suggests a possible issue with parent-child dynamics, but it does not indicate an immediate health concern. The nurse may explore this further during a counseling session or refer the adolescent to a school counselor if necessary.

C- "There's a big pimple on my face, and I worry that everyone will notice it." While acne can impact an adolescent's self-esteem, it is not a priority issue from a health perspective. The nurse can provide support, discuss basic skincare practices, and offer guidance on managing acne if appropriate.

D. "None of the kids at this school like me, and I don't like them either." This comment indicates potential issues with social relationships, isolation, and possible mental health concerns, which should be prioritized for further evaluation and support. The client might be at risk for depression, an eating disorder or self-harm.